The elements of conchology, or, Natural history of shells : according to the Linnean system : with observations on modern arrangements

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THE

ELEMENTS OF

CON CHOMOGY 3

OR

NATURAL
HISTORY OF SHELLS:

ACCORDING TO

Che Linnean Spstem,

OBSERVATIONS ON MODERN ARRANGEMENTS.

BY THOMAS BROWN, ESQ.

Captain Forfar Regt. Fellow of the Linnean Society, Member of the Wernerian

Natural History Society, and Honorary Member of the Literary and
Philosophical Society of Bolton.

ILLUSTRATED WITH
NINE COLOURED ENGRAVINGS.

—n ST SS
oe London:

PRINTED POR LACKINGTON, ALLEN, & CO. FINSBURY SQUARE;
LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, AND BROWN, PATER-
NOSTER ROW ; JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STRUBT ;
ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE AND CO. EDINBURGH;

AND JOVIN CUMMING, ORMOND QUAY,

DUBLIN.

J, Gleave, Printer.
1816,

LVas2d0

“) " Sewstaiant vs a ROB flies seysroas Ye ti . "7
Pus SO é ue ee

TO
SIR JAMES EDWARD SMITH, M.D.
F.R.S.

PRESIDENT

OF

THE LINNEAN SOCIETY,
Be. Se. Se.
THE FOLLOWING WORK
Is INSCRIBED,

WITH ESTEEM AND RESPECT,
BY

HIS MOST OBEDIENT,

HUMBLE SERVANT,

The Author.

a iy t

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sei ua a
Y an ey x a es |

preface.

THE intention of the following work is to lay be-

fore the student, in the simplest style, the Linnean
arrangement of sheils.

The author was induced to undertake this simple
work, because there was no elementary book on shells
in the English language, with the exception of
Da Casta’s, whose arrangement is now generally
exploded. The work now presented to the public is
strictly according to the Linnean System.

Several attempts have been made, to overturn the
Linnean arrangement of shells, but without effect.
And with all its pretended faults no one has been
able to supercede it, by a better system. That it is
not so complete as the other departments, most people
are ready to allow; but its beauties must perpetuate
ats pre-eminence.

In describing the genera, the author has also
pointed out the different alterations of modern ar-
rangements, (particularly that of Lamarck ;) and
ihe new genera which they have formed. And it has
been his object to illustrate the work, as far as it was
possible, by figures of British shells; which will
facilitate the study of British Testaceology, and
prove equally useful to the study of General Con-

chology.

; wes eben va * eke

vib

A

CONTENTS.
x o>

[[nrropucTIon to the science......cccsse0ecceeres 1

The animals which have been discovered to inha-
bit-shellsizi::)ccccceddescssde} F2 aes Be see pg

Explanation of the parts of shells.

Whaltivalve sy, co. ccesveseaess cease ea tesenmeree: encares 13
Bivalv@s. cionicdscccduisatvecente heat PINE wp cabloanoue 13
PI MIVALVO cic accaiecezate cele naneC oan ceeds ceraacrceacoulenabes cats 24,

Of genera.

Order 1st. Multivalve shells....... Aidan webedns sane ». 42
Snae’ Pivalee shells eee ccsoceden educa caekwdens ee

—— 3rd. Univalve shells with a regular spire.... 65
Division 2nd. Shells without a regular spire...... - 90

Specific description of the plates.

Plate ist. Multivalve shells.........ccscsecscseee Soe p OS
Bivalyet shells <ccsctidcdesszcssscveissesnve 102

2nd. Bivalve shells........se.scceeee ciajoh babecy bias 105
WeHiealve SHO S658. cs sncedoanacecsdess 109

iii SHAKY avisgtnen veh nay anaes we sisi twelnae astute dine a DES

—— 4th. Hinges of bivalves, &....,..:.e0creeseeee L1G

CONTENTS.

To illustrate the genera.

Plate 5th. Multivalve shells..........c0.ccseesecceees 121
Bivalve’ shells... 0c. cnvasdcasacevenus cose ib
cement GURY cc esceons feb epo seo sebeas wen ES eatised sesame ib
Sa FEM: cnc ca vnwocecon seas Miyehoncsesesaiecusievenssiciscn 22
Univalve shells.cisc.acs.oecsensscede rn sine obs i
creas BED: cosigsalevasiene tovree tore p an easamannr susvatansiay © ib
mem OU, ip Se ne vevaisa'c Wo tas ens ainatesle'o dein sisin cine mame'y Mairead 123
List of the principal books which treat of Con-
CHOLOBY. fnveosvannensyereoner senrsieosmersiansgsieceg ere 1246
Method of cleaning sheils.............ceeqeeaddentereee 129
Simple method of arranging cabinets............... 138

Explanation of terms-used im the science of Con-
chology...... see eeveeenens tenn enneee seneas seneeeeeees ¥: JO

ERRATA.

Page 4, line 13.—For Olearus read Olearius.

Tigicvses .14.—For probu read proper.
8,.. .-»19.—Erase the word ‘none’ at the beginuing of
the line.

40,......20.—For most read many.
12,......12.—For twelve read fourteen.

94, ......12.—For Solina read Solen’s.

Shape aes 2.—For Adamson read Adanson.

32, ......13.—Insert after &c. Plate 2nd, E E.
40),...... 5.—For tooth-shape read tooth-shaped.

Aid twes ss $2.—For I read Y.
Ate «00 5.—Read hinge with a broad, &c.
49,......15.—For on one read in one.

50, ...... 6.—For Cyclus read Cyclas.
56, ......18.—For Hippossus read Hippopus.
58, ...... 8.—For Nuclia read Nucula.
59, ......14.—For species read genera.
Giese 14 and 15.—For Pitillz read Patellz.
GB, w.00s. 9.—For Sephunculus read Siphunculus.
75, «s-...18.—For dentrila read detrita.
81, ......14.—For staincase read stair-case.
DGyieasa . 3.—For Gmelen read Gmelin.
BOs certs . 2.—For Casta read Costa.
99, .-....91.—For vermillion read vermilion.
106, ...... 9.—For is read are.
110, ......23.—For five read fine.
115, --+...13.—After body, insert O pillar-lip.
117, ......12,—Erase ‘*N Spicula.”
126, ».0..10,.—-For Neurnberg read Neuremberg.

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THE
ELEMENTS

OF

CONCHOLOGY.

—B OS

CONCHOLOGY, is the science by
which shells, or testaceous bodies, are
properly arranged into systematic
order.

On the face of our globe, the num-
ber of Natural Bodies, is so immense,
that, on a general view, the human
mind recoils from the investigation of
them as impossible. But since the
invention of systems, the task now
appears at once practicable; and,
indeed, every object can be traced,
with certainty and facility, to its pro-
per place in the System of Nature.

B

2 THE ELEMENTS

In common language, the System
of Nature has been divided into three
kingdoms, viz. the Animal, Vegetable,
and Mineral. That the young stu-
dent may more easily understand
the meaning of the classes, orders,
&c. into which these three kingdoms
are divided, we shall compare

A Class to an Army ;

An Order to a Regiment ;

A Genus to a Company ;

And a Species to a Soldier.

When we find a natural body, we
must first refer it to a class in the
system of Nature, then to an order,
next toa genus, and then we endea-
vour to ascertain ifs species.

All natural bodies, which agree
in every particular, or essential pro-
perty, are considered of the same
species; for example, all dogs are
specifically the same, but the diffe-
rence between the hyena, wolf, fox,
(though of the same genus as the dog
Canis of Linné) and the pointer and

Sth
ae

be

OF CONCHOLOGY. 3

spaniel, is so great as to constitute
them of a different species; as is the
bull-dog, mastiff, terrier, &c. Dogs
taken generally form a genus. So it
is with all natural bodies.

A plurality of species, constitutes
a genus; and many genera, consti-
tutes an order; and several orders,
a class; and a variety of classes, a
kingdom.

The term Conchology includes all
animals which have a_ testaceous
covering, whether they inhabit the
sea, land, or fresh-water.

By chemical analysis testaceous bo-
dies have been found to consist of,
carbonate of lime, mixed with gelati-
nous matter.

Chemists have divided shells into
two classes. The first are usually of
a compact texture, resembling porce-
lain, and have an enamelled surface,
and are in general beautifully varie-
gated. Those composing this class

A THE ELEMENTS

are called porcelanaceous shells. To -
this class belong various species of
conus, cyprea, voluta, &e.

The second class consists of shells
generally covered with a strong epi-
dermis or skin, below which lies the
shell in layers, and composed entirely
of the substance well known by the
name of mother-of-pearl. In this class
are the fresh-water muscles, (the my-
tilus cygneus and anatinus of Linné),
the haliotis iris (called the ear-shell),
the turbo olearus, and several of the
trochus tribe, &c.

The porcelaneous shells, contain a
very small portion of soft animal mat-
ter; and those of the second class a
very large proportion.*

It must be clearly understood, that,
all shellfish are not included in the
science of Testaceology.j- The crabs,

* See Thomson’s System of Chemistry, vol. v. page 507, &c.
+ Testaceology, is a modern term for the Natural History of
shells, and synonymous with Conchology.

OF CONCHOLOGY. a

lobsters, sea-urchins, &c. are of the
crustaceous order.

They differ in their composition
from the testacea, the calcareous part
of their shell being phosphate of lime,
in place of the carbonate of lime.

The crustacea differ from the festa-
cea in a still more striking point of
view: it is well known that crabs,
lobsters, &e. cast their shell or cover-
ing annually; whereas the testaceous
worms retain it as long as they exist.
Besides the shells of crustaceous ani-
mals, seem to grow all at once ; those
of testaceous, evidently are made by
the animal, gradually adding to them
either annually or at least periodically ;
as may be distinctly seen in the com-
mon muscle; and all shells are com-
posed of layers, which is not the case
with crabs, &c. This may be easily
proved by taking a shell and filing it
slowly, when the different layers are
very perceptible; or put a muscle-

6 THE ELEMENTS

shell into the fire, it will begin to
crackle and divide in separate layers.
We have numberless instances of
shells, both sea and land, which have
been broken, and are firmly mended
by the animal; and in almost every
collection specimens of mended shells
may be found.

Shells are only the habitation of
soft animals called vermes, or worms,
and are the third order of Linnzus’s
sixth class of animals.

The animals which have been dis-
covered to inhabit shells, are ten:

1. Limax, 6. Nereis,
2. Doris, 7. Ascidea,
3. Spio, 8. Tethys,

4. Amphitrite, 9. Triton,
5. Terebella, 10. Sepia.

Ist. LIMAX.
Body oblong, creeping, with a

fleshy kind of shield above, and a lon-
gitudinal flat disk beneath ; aperture

OF CONCHOLOGY. |

placed on the right side, within the
shield ; feelers four, situate above the
mouth, and.an eye at the tip of each
of the largest ones.

This genus is what is. generally
termed the slug, or snail.

2nd. DORIS.

Body, creeping, oblong, and flat
beneath ; mouth placed below, on the
fore-part; vent behind, on: the back,
and surrounded by a fringe; feelers,
two and four, seated on the upper
part of the body in front, and retrac-
tile within their probu receptacles.

3d. SPIO.

Body projecting from a tube, joint-
ed and furnished with dorsal fibres ;
peduncles, or feet, rough with bristles
and placed towards the back ; feelers
two, long, simple ; eyes two, oblong.

8 THE ELEMENTS e

4th. AMPHITRITE.

Body projecting from a tube and
annulate ; peduncles, or feet, small,
numerous; feelers two, approximate,
feathered ; no eyes.

5th. TEREBELLA.

Body oblong, creeping, naked,
often inclosed in a tube, furnished
with lateral fascicles, or tufts, and
branchiz ; mouth placed before, fur-
nished with lips without teeth, and
protuding a clevate proboscis ; feelers
numerous, ciliate, capellary, seated
round the mouth. |

6th. NEREIS.

Body \ong, creeping, with nume-
rous lateral peduncles, or feet, on each
side; feelers simple, rarely wanting
none; eyes two or four, rarely none.

7th. ASCIDIA.
Body fixed, roundish, and appa-
rently issuing from a sheath; aper-

OF CONCHOLOGY. 9

iures two, generally placed near the
upper end, one beneath the other.

8th. TETHYS.

Body detached, rather oblong,
fleshy without peduncles ; mouth with
a terminal cylindrical proboscis, under
an expanded membrane or lip; aper-
tures two, on the left side of the neck.

9th. TRITON.

Body oblong ; mouth with an inyo-
lute spiral proboscis; fentacula, or
arms, twelve, six on each side, divided .
nearly to the base, the hind-ones che-
liferous.

10th. SEPIA.
Body fleshy, receiving the breast in
a sheath, with a tubular aperture at
its base ; arms eight, beset with nu-
merous warts or suckers, and in most
species two pedunculated tentacula ;
head short; eyes large; mouth re-

sembling a Parrot’s beak.
c

10 THE ELEMENTS

It is upon the exclusive shape of
the shell, and not the animal-inhabi-
tant, that the arrangement of Concho-.
logy is formed.

In early periods, naturalists were
in much doubt whether to construct
the arrangement from the animal, or
the shells; and at last it was deter-
mined, for the best of reasons, that it
should be the latter. Of the great
quantities of shells found, how few
have had the animal in them? indeed,
there are hundreds we shall never be
able to ascertain. The greater part
of shells in collections, have been
found upon the beach, without the
animal in them, which have been cast
ashore by the agitation of the sea in
storms, &c. ,

Most shells are very different in
their young and adult state,’ both in
form and colour; the student ought,
therefore, to make ‘himself well ac-
quainted with the generic characters,

OF CONCHOLOGY. ll

to enable him to discriminate the dif-
ference. But, indeed, this is often a
difficult matter, even to those who have
studied the science for many years.

_ In almost all the cyprea, there is
considerable difficulty in distinguish-
ing them from the voluta, in their
young state. The denticulated lip
being the last part of the shell which
the animal forms. The strombus ge-
nus want the expanded lip in the
young shell, from which circum-
stance it is frequently taken for the
buccinum and murex.

The Linnean arrangement of shells,
consists of three orders, viz. MMultz-
valve, Bivalve, and Univalve.

The first order, multivalve, are
shells consisting of more parts than
two. Every part of a shell which is
connected by a cartilage, ligament,
hinge, or teeth, is called a valve of
such shell,

The second order, bivalve,are shells

12 THE ELEMENTS

of two parts or valves, generally con-
nected by a cartilage; for example,
the cockle and muscle.

The third order, wnivalve, consists
of shells complete in one piece ; for
example, the periwinkle and whelk.
This order is subdivided: first, into
those with a regular spire, and those
without a spire.

The first order consists of three
genera: Chiton, Lepas, and Pholas.

The second order consists of twelve
genera: Mya, Solen, Tellina, Cardium,
Mactra, Donax, Venus, Spondylus,
Chama, Arca, Ostrea, Anomia, My-
tilus, Pinna.

The third order consists of nineteen
genera: Argonauta, Nautilus, Conus,
Cyprea, Bulla, Voluta, Buccinum,
Strombus, Murex, Trochus, Turbo,
Helix, Nerita, Haliotis, Patella, Den-
talium, Serpula, Teredo, and Sabella.

It will now be proper before pro-
ceeding to a detail of the Linnean

OF CONCHOLOGY. 13

genera, to make the student ac-
quainted with the terms used in Tes-
taceology, as far as regards the dif-
erent parts of shells.

EXPLANATION

OF THE

PARTS OF SHELLS.

——

MULTIVALVE.

Operculum is four small valves on
the summit of the lepas, which how-
ever is in a Certain degree stationary ;
and different from the operculum of
univalve shells, which wili hereafter be
described. See plate Ist, fig. Ist, A.

Base is that part of the shell by
which it is fixed to rocks and other
bodies ; plate Ist, figures Ist and 2d,
5B B.----H is a piece of stone to which

14 THE ELEMENTS

the base is fixed, and G a piece of
wood to which the shells of this sec-
tion are generally affixed. |

Ligament is the substance by which
the valves or parts of the shell are
connected. Some multivalve shells
are connected, by the parts of one
valve looking into another. Plate Ist,
fig. 2d, DDD.

Ridges are those cavities in many
of the lepas tribe, sometimes lon-
gitudinal and sometimes transverse.
Plate Ist, fig. Ist, FF.

Peduncle.. A sort of stem by which
the shells of the second division of
lepas are attached to wood, &c. Itis
a kind of membranaceous substance,
similar to a bladder but materially
thinner, and filled with a liquid which
evidently affords nourishment to the
animal. Plate Ist, fig. 2d,CC. G
a piece of wood to which the peduncle
is affixed.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 15

Feelers are those crenated arms,
evolved from the side of the lepas ana-
tifera, and other shells of the second
division of lepas. While the animal
is in the water it continually moves
its feelers, evidently for the purpose
of entangling minute marine insects,

for food. Plate Ist, fig. 2d, EE.

BIVALVE.

Bivalve shells, consist of two parts
or valves, connected by a cartilage,
and hinge which is generally com-
posed of teeth, those of the one valve
looking into a cavity in the other.

The valves of some bivalve shells,
are formed exactly alike; and others,
are very different; the one of some
being smooth, the other rugose ; one
flat, and another convex; and often
one is shorter than the other.

The shells of the mya, solen, tellina,
venus, &c. have in general both valves
alike, while those of the spondylus,

16 THE ELEMENTS

ostrea, anomia, and pinna, have in
general dissimilar valves. The first
of these kinds are called equivalve,
and the latter inequivalve.

Equilateral shells are those whose
sides are alike, as in the shells of
ostrea, commonly termed _ scallop-
shells ip England, or those shells worn
by pilgrims in former times ;

* Aud fix’d the scallop on his hat before.”
PARNELL.
This is also exemplified in the
Arca Glycimeris and Pilosa of Lin-
nzeus.

Inequilateral valves are shells whose
sides are unequal ; and are of different
shapes, as in the mactra, donax, &c.

Sumnut is the most elevated point
of that part of the shell in which the
hinge is placed ; plate Ist, fig. 4 & 8,
“ad.

In naming this the summit, we do
not follow the axiom of Linnzeus, but
that of a modern author whose authe-

OF CONCHOLOGY. 17
rity we value; and because we consi-
der it more properly the summit of
the shell, than the opposite extremity.

Base, is the reverse of the above,
or that part of the shell immediately
opposite the summit. Plate Ist, figrs.
6th and 7th, dd.

Sides, the right and left parts of the
valves; plate Ist, fig. 6th, c.

Anterior slope, is that part of the
shell in which the ligament is situated.
In viewing the anterior slope in front,
the beaks of the shell retire from view.
Plate Ist, fig. 4th, ¢.

Posterior slope, that part of the
shell opposite the anterior slope; in
viewing it in front, the beaks point to
you. Plate Ist, fig. 4th, 4.

Disk, the convex centre of a valve,
or most prominent part of the valve,
suppose it with its inside lying under-
most. Plate Ist, fiz. 4th, o.

Inside, the concave part of a valve.
Plate 4th, fig. 6th, z.

D

18 THE ELEMENTS

Cicatrizx, or Tongue, is the impres-
sion left on the inside of the valves, by
the adhering muscles of the animal.
It differs in most shells, according to
the shape of the muscle, and is either
semi-ovate, round, lunate, elongated,
&e. It is often of great use in distin-
guishing a species; being, with a very
few exceptions, alike in shells of the
same species. Some shells have only
one cicatrix, as the edible oyster, and
muscle; others have two, and some
few more ; the Tellina Fusta for exam-
ple. Plate Ist, figures 6 and 8, eeee.

Eunule. The lunated depressions,
situated in the anterior and posterior
slopes. In different species of the
Venus they are prominent, character-
istic marks, often of much service in
ascertaining a species. Plate Ist,
fig. 4th, 66.

_ Ligament perforation. The cir-
cular aperture, or perforation, through
which the ligament passes; by which

OF CONCHOLOGY. 19

the animal of the anomia attaches it-
self to stones, and other marine ex-
traneous bodies ; it is in general situ- —
ated in the flat valve, though there
are a few exceptions to the contrary.
Plate Ist, fig. 7th, m.

Hinge, is the point by which bivalve
shell are united, it is formed by the
teeth of the one valve inserting them-
selves between those of the other, or
by the teeth of one valve fitting into
the cavities or sockets of the opposite
valve.

It is on the peculiar construction of
the hinge that the generic character
of Bivalve shells is principally founded,
together with the general contour of
the shell. Plate 2nd, figures Ist and
3d, 997 9-

Teeth of the Hinge. Upon the
number and relative situation of the
teeth, principally depend the specific
distinctions ; they are of various
forms, and very differently placed ;

20 THE ELEMENTS

some are single and large, others
numerous and aail orbicular, spatuli-
form, laminated, &c. Some hinges
have no visible teeth, and are termed
inarticulate ;* those with few teeth
are termed articulate ;; and those
with many teeth multiar ticulate.* -
Plate Ist, figures 6th and 8th, S238:

Primary y Teeth, are those teeth in
general about the centre of the hinge,
and are for the most part broad, large,
and distinct, and often elevated ; and
in general are inserted in a cavity in
the opposite valve. They however
differ very much in some shells, but
may easily be distinguished. Plate
4th, figures Ist, 3d and 7th, aaaqa,

Lateral Teeth§ are teeth which di-
verge from the umbo, and are in gene-
ral long and flat, often double, and
divided by a grooye or hollow. Plate

* When a primary tooth has a groove or hollow in its cen-
tre, it is called complicated. Plate 4th, fig. 6th, e.

+ Plate 4th, figures istand12th. + Plate 4th, figures 2nd,
3d, 4th, &c, § Plate 4th, fig. 10th.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 21

4th, figures 2nd, 4th, 6th and 7th,
bb6b6.

Double Teeth, plate 4th, fig. Ist, ec.
_ dIncurved Teeth are those which are
bent round, as in the single tooth of
the Solen Siliqua. Plate 4th, fig. 8th,

ie

Middle Teeth. Plate Ath, fig. 4th.
dd.

Numerous Teeth, are those small
teeth, of which the hinges of all the
Area are formed, set in rows. Plate
Ath, fig. 10th, A&A.

Cavity of the Hinge. The hollow
depression in which the ligament of
the Ostrea is situated, generally of a
triangular form. Plate 4th, fig. 11th, e.

Ligament of the Hinge, or carti-
lage, is that flexible fibrous substance
by which the valyes are united, and
the hinges kept in their proper places;
always situated near the beak. Place
2nd, figures Ist, 3d and 4th, é//;
plate 4th, fig. 3d, x.

22 THE ELEMENTS

Beak is the extreme point of the
summit of bivalves, which for the most
part points downwards, or to the one
side, as in most species of Venus, &c.
Plate 2nd, fig. Sth, 77.

Seam. When the valves are closed,
the line between them is so called,
Plate 2nd, fig. 6th, #¢.

Umbo. That place situated imme-
diately under the beak. Plate Ist,
fig. 6th, w; and plate 2nd, fig. 4th, w.

Ears. 'Two processes on each side
of the beak, in most of that division of
Ostrea, called scallops; some have
one ear very large, and the other
small; and some are scarcely observ-
able on one side. Plate 2nd, fig. 2nd,
hh.

Superior Ear. Plate 4th, fig. 11th, h.

Inferior Ear. Do. do. fg:

Margin, or Limb. The extreme
edge of the whole shell, or either
valve, allround. Pilate Ist, fig. 4th, p ;
and plate 2nd, fig. Ist, p.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 23

Crenulated margin. 'That fine saw-
like edge of most of the cockles, which
unite into the notch in the opposite
valve. It is by no means uncommon
in other shells, particularly the Donax.
Plate 4th, fig. 6th, mm m.

Stri@ are fine thread-like lines, eene-
rally on the exterior surface of shells,
and is sometimes both longitudinal
and transverse, and likewise oblique.
In some instances the insides of shells
are striated ; for example, the Murex
Tulipa. It is often of much use in
distinguishing species. Plate 2nd,
fig. 2nd, f/f.

Right Valve is that valve which,
when viewed with the inside towards
you, the anterior slope points to your
right hand. Plate Ist, fig. 8th; and
plate 4th, figures 5th and 6th, B.

_ Left Valve. The opposite of the
above; the anterior slope points to
the left hand, when viewed from the

24 THE ELEMENTS
inside. Plate 4th, figures 3d, 6th, 7th,
9th, &e. :
Length of the Sheil is taken from
the ligament, or the beak, to the
Opposite margin. Plate Ist, fig. 5th ;
and plate 2nd, fig. 4th, wuw uw.
Breadth is measured from the most
extreme edge of the anterior and
posterior slopes, being in a contrary
direction from its length. Many shells
are broader than long, such as most
of the Myz, Solina, Tellina, &c.; and
the Mytilus, Ostrea, Pinna, &c. are in
general longer than broad. Plate Ist,
fig. 5th; plate 2nd, fig. Ath, vo v v.
Byssus, or beard, is an appendage
composed of filaments of a silky tex-
ture, by which some of the Bivalves
fasten themselves to their beds, such
as the muscle, Plate 2nd, fig. 6th, s.

UNIVALVE.
The shells composing this order,
are far more numerous than the two

OF CONCHOLOGY. 25

preceding, both in genera and spe-
cies; and it requires a considerable
degree of attention, to discriminate
many of the species, as they run into
each other so much; and of many of
the species there are several varieties.

It is by the general outline that the
shells of this order are distinguished,
together with the formation of the
spire, and aperture ; from their having
a canal or gutter, the pillar-lip, and the
outer-lip being expanded, together
with the notches, &c. on the outer
surface ; the colours also, are of ser-
vice in describing species, though it
cannot in all cases be depended on,
many of them being subject to great
variety.

Linnzeus divides his Order Univalve
into two sections, turbinated shells
within a regular spire, and those with-
out any regular spire.

Apex. The summit or highest part
of the spire. Plate 2nd, A A A.

E

26 THE ELEMENTS

Base is the opposite extremity from
the apex, or tip of the spire. In shells:
with a beak or rostrum, it implies the
tip of such beak ; plate 2nd, fig. 11th,
_ B. In shells without a beak, it is
understood to be the lower part, as
before-mentioned, opposite the apex ;
plate 2nd, figures 8th and 9th, BB.
In the patella dentalium and teredo,
and some others, the base of the shell
is that part on which it rests when it
is laid on its mouth.

Body of the shell. The first or lower
whorl of the spire, which is, in gene-
ral, longer than the remaining whorls ;
and often, the difference is much
greater. Plate 2nd, figures 10th and
12th, FF’; and. plate 3d, figures 7th
and 9th, FFE. ibe is

Front of the shell, is when the aper-
ture faces the observer. Plate 2nd,
fig. 7th, Z; and plate 3d, fig. 8th, Z.

Back is when the aperture is turned

OF CONCHOLOGY. 27

directly from the observer. Plate 3d,
figures 5th and 10th, GG.

The venter, or belly, is the most
prominent part of the lower whorl or
body, and generally situated in the
vicinity of the lip; and formed by the
convexity of the aperture, It is in
general only made use of in describing
shells, whose body is large in propor-
tion to the spire. Plate 3d, figures

_ 5th and 10th, HW A.

Sides. The extreme edges of the
shell, either viewed from the front or
back. Plate2nd,fig. 11th, AAKKAKKK.*

Aperture, or mouth, is that part of
the lower whorl, by which the animal
protudes itself. This is one of the
principal generic distinctions of Uni-
valve shells, and differs very much in
shape; some apertures being rounded,
others semilunar, angular, &c. Plate
2nd, figures. 9th and llth, CC; and

* Right side is when the shell is viewed in front, that side

next the observer’s left hand. Left side, the side with the
aperture in it,

28 THE ELEMENTS

plate 3d, figures Ist, 3d and 14th,
CCC.

Canal, or gutter, is a continuation
of the aperture, of those shells with a
beak, in which it forms a concave gut-
ter, running from its commencement
in the aperture, to the extremity.
Plate 2nd, figures 10th and 11th, Q Q;
plate 3d, fig. 8th, Q.

Beak, or rostrum, is that lengthened
process in which the canal is situate ; *
it commences a little higher up, on the
outside, than the insertion of the ca-
nal in the inside, which is always dis-
tinctly marked by the line of the aper-
ture. Plate 2nd, fig. 11th, P.

Pillar, or columella, is that process
which runs through the centre of the
shell in the inside, from the base to
the apex in ‘most univalve shells, and
appears to be the support of the spire ;
and, indeed, seems to form that part
of the shell; it is in general grooved
or folded, and various other shapes ;

OF CONCHOLOGY. 29

but, as it is situated in the interior of
the shell, a minute description is un-
necessary. Plate 2nd, figures 10th
and 12th, MWMMMM; and plate
3d, fig. 9th, MMM.

Pillar Lip is a continuation of the
glossy process with which the aper-
ture is lined, expanded on the colu-
mella. Plate 3d, figures 7th and 8th,
00.

Outer Lip. The expansion, or
continuation of the body of the shell,
on the left margin of the aperture,
and is also lined with the glossy pro-
cess of the aperture. Plate 2nd, fig.
7th, N; and plate 3d, fig. 8th, WN N.
The latter is an example of the alated
or winged shells.

Plaited Columella are those folds,
or plaits, which are the distinguishing
characteristic of the Voluta genus,
Plate 2nd, fig. 7th, z.

Operculum, or lid. This is only an
appendage to the turbinated or spiral

30 THE ELEMENTS |

shells, affixed to the. animal, some-
times of a testaceous, in others a car-
tilaginous, substance, It, is only cal-
culated for the protection of the ani-
mal, when it retires: within, its dwell-
ing, “of which: it may be termed its
door, and is, adapted to the shape of
the aperture, which it closes nicely
up. Every: one must have: observed
the cartilaginous operculum of the
common periwinkle, (the’Turbo Litto
ratus of Linné,) which. has a brown
horny appearance, and must:in gene-
ral be removed, before the animal can
be taken out when boiled. Plate 3d,
fig. 4th.

Spire is all the whorls of the. shell,
except the lower one, which, as before
observed, is termed. the. body of -
Shell... Plate 2nd, fig. [2th, D;
plate 3d, figures 7th and. 8th, D ad

The spire is a prominent feature of
the Univalve ; and upon its being ele-
vated, depressed, &c:,depends much

OF CONCHOLOGY 31

of the generic and specific definition.
Adamson in his ‘ Natural History of
Senegal,’ printed at Paris, in 1757,
says that the external character of the
spire, varies according to the plane
they turn upon, which, he observes, is
either horizontal, cylindrical, conic or
- ovoid: At the same time, he admits
that there area great many interme-
diate forms, which cannot ai sthise be
defined.

It is a remarkable ‘circumstance,
that many of the young shells, have
not the same number of wreaths as
the adults; from which circumstance
it would appear, that the part of the
- animal nearest the apex, never in-
creases in size. The number of
wreaths cannot, at all times, be de-
pended upon.

Whorl is one of. the acidic or
volutions of the shell. Plate 2nd, fig.
8th, Z; and plate 3d, fig. 10th, Z.

Depressed Spire is when the spire

32 THE ELEMENTS

is very flat. Plate 2nd, fig. 12th, D;
and plate 3d, fig. Sth, S.

Involuted Spire, those shells which
have their whorls, or wreaths, con-
cealed in the inside of the first whorl
or body, as in some of the Nautilus
and Cyprea. Plate 3d, fig. 3d, 7;
plate 7th, fig. 19th; and plate 8th,
fig. 21.

Suture of the Spire, or whorls, is a
fine spiral line, which separates the
wreaths or whorls; it is sometimes
crenulated, in others sulcated, &c.

Reversed, or Heterostrophe Spire.
As Mr. Montagu’s definition of a re-
versed shell is very distinct, and easily
understood, I shall here extract it.
“Every Conchologist knows, that
most convoluted shells turn one
way, and that there are few species
which are heterochtical, or invariably
turn contrary to the usual manner.
Some indeed have doubted, whether
this is a permanent character; there

OF CONCHOLOGY. Oo

requires, however, no argument to
prove it is so, to those who have taken
the trouble to examine the common
species of heterostrophe shells, which
daily present themselves to our notice
in our rural walks. Indeed, it is ra-
ther strange that no one of these
shells, whose nature is to have their
spires turn in the more unusual man-
ner, has (to our knowledge) even been
met with to vary from that formation ;
as such accidental deformities have
been found, in a few instances, amongst
those which are usually termed dexte-
rals, or have the more usual spiral
turns, and have become lusus heteros-
trophon shells.

“In order, therefore, to explain
which way the turn of the spiral con-
volutions of a reversed shell takes,
omitting the vague signification of
turning to the right or left, we shall
observe, that the more common turn
of shells is with ee apparent motion

34 THE ELEMENTS

of the sun, or as the index or hand of
a clock moves.

‘‘ But in order to be more clearly
understood, let us compare the spiral
volutions of a shell to a common cork-
screw, and we shall find that whether
the mouth, or apex, is placed up-
wards, the spires will turn from the
upper to the lower end like acommon
screw, which is in the same direction
as the index of a timepiece, and what
is commonly understood by a dextral
or right-handed screw. As a fur-
ther definition, such shells have their
aperture on the right side, when
examined with that end downward ;
and is in the direction of the sun’s
apparent motion.*

* That different authors have described both sides of the
shell as the right, is very clear; but it appears to me, Mr. Mon-
tagu has himsel]f run into a mistake, concerning the right and
left sides of the shell; and I have termed that side of the shell
with the aperture in it, when viewed in front, the left side ;
contrary to Mr. Montagu. It is admitted by most Concholo-

gists, that the apex or tip of the spire, is the top of the shell,
and the lower region, in which the aperture is situate, is the

OF CONCHOLOGY. 29

«On the contrary, a reversed shell
when placed in a perpendicular posi-
tion, has its spiral volutions in an
opposite direction to the motion of
the index of a watch, or a clock, or to
a common screw ; and, in fact, resem-
bles what is usually termed a sinistral,
or left-handed screw. These have
their aperture on the left side, or op-
posite the left hand of the person,
holding the shell with the mouth
downward ; and the opening is oppo-
site the sun’s apparent motion. Plate

3d, fig. 13th.

base or bottom. It is also admitted, that when the shell is
placed on its base, with the aperture facing the observer, that
this is termed the front—plate 3d, figures 7th and 8th, &c. ;
and that placed with the aperture from the observer, it is
called the back—plate 3d, figures 9th and 10th. When ali this
is admitted, it appears to me that the side in which the aper-
ture is situated, is unequivocally the left side, and the opposite
extreme the right. Surely if a man is placed on his feet, with
another facing him, the one could not call the side fronting
his right side, the right side of him opposite. If any thing,
whatever it may be, has a ¢op, base, and proper front, it must
also have a proper right and left side; and what I have de-
acribed as such, I think will be found to be so,

36 THE ELEMENTS

“In order to determine whether a
flat shell, whose volutions are laterally
placed, is a reversed species, we have
only to examine which way the volu-
tions turn from the apex, or the centre,
towards the mouth; and if we find it
contrary to the motion of the index of
a watch, itis a heterostrophe, or revers-
ed shell; and vce versa.”

A flat shell is figured in plate 3d,
fig. 14th.

“In some of the more depressed
species of Helix, or Nautilus, atten-
tion is requisite to be paid to the
mouth, in order to determine which is
really the upper side of the shell, for
it is on that side the spiral turns are
to be taken from the centre or apex ;
and, in most instances, this is to be
determined by the oblique direction
of the aperture to the under part,
where the lip rarely extends so far as
on the upper part. In fixed shells,
such as Serpula, there is no difficulty,

OF CONCHOLOGY. By

as the side which is sess¢le must be
considered as the base, or under part.
Thus in the Serpula Lucidu the fixed
part is sometimes very small, and the
mouth protends spirally upwards, in
a contrary direction to the sun; and
therefore must be considered a re-
versed or heterostrophe shell, the same
as if the volutions nearest the mouth
had turned laterally upon the centre
or fixed ones. ‘This shell, indeed, is
most frequently found with regular
lateral volutions ; and though subject
to great variety, with respect to con-
tortions, it invariably turns the aper-
ture one way.

“In some species of Nautilus, how-
ever, there can be no rule to ascertain
whether it is dextral or sinistral; for
when the aperture is exactly lateral,
the lip collapses the body equally, and
the sides of the shell similar, as in the
Natilus Calcar, it cannot be defined.
Jn others of that genus, asin NV. Bec-

30 THE ELEMENTS

car and Beccartt perversus, two
shells, the principal distinction of
which, is the contrary turn of their
volutions, it is easily determined, by
the convexity of the upper side; and
of course, the aperture being placed
somewhat beneath.” Testacea &ri-
tannica, page 352, &c.

Chambers are the divisions formed
by partitions, at regular intervals; as
in the Nautilus. Plate 3d, fig. 11th,
WWWwWwH Ww.

In some of the Serpula there are
also divisions, but they are not regular
as the preceding; and they differ from
the Nautilus, in wanting a Sephuncu-
lus or communication between the
chambers; the animal forms a com-
plete partition and adds to its shell,
which it would appear to be necessi-
tated to do, from its body growing
too large for its abode.

Several of the Patella genus, have
chambers of a laminiform, subspiral,

OF CONCHOLOGY. 39

or other form. Plate 3d, fig. 6th, W.

Umbilicus is in general a circular
perforation, in the base of the lower
whorl, or body, of many univalves ; and
common to most of the Trochz, in
some of which it runs from the base
to the apex; widest at the base, and
gradually tapering to the top. Plate
3d, fig. Ist, U.

Sub-umbilicated shells, are those
which have the umbilicus covered ina
greater or less degree by a thin pro-
cess ; which, in some, almost entirely
closes the opening or mouth.

Shells which have no umbilicus are
termed imperforate.

Siphunculus is that small round
perforation which forms a communi-
cation between the chambers of the
Nautili, which runs through the whole
spire of the shell. Plate 3d, fig. 11th,
¢

Ribs are those longitudinal protu-
berances which are in many of the

40 THE ELEMENTS

univalye shells. Plate 3d, fig. 12th,
RRRRA.

Teeth of univalves, according to
Mr. Montagu, are not properly den-
ticles, or tooth-shape protuberances,
but are fine white /amine, or ridges,
running spirally backwards, in a pa-
rallel direction to each other; those
on the exterior lip may, in most in-
stances, be traced through the outside
of the shell, and are nearly alike in
length. Plate 3d, fig. 13th, a.

Hpidermis is a skin, or cuticle, with
which the exterior surface of many
of the univalve and bivalve shells are
covered ; and it is destined by nature
to protect the surface of their shells
from being injured. It is membrana-
ceous, or similar to the periosteum,
which covers the bones of animals.
This skin seems to be formed entirely
by the animal, and is uniformly ob-
served in some species, and not at all
in others: but those shells with a

OF CONCHOLOGY. 4h

rugged surface have almost always
this epidermis. In some it is lami-
nated, velvety, fibrous or rough, and
in others very thin and pellucid, and
admits the colours of the shell to shine
through it. Although many shells are
very beautiful, even with this cuticle
on them, they are much more so when
it is removed; but I would by no
means advise the collector of shells to
remove it, unless he may have several
specimens of the same shell; and then
he may do it by way of variety ; but it
is always preferable to keep themina
state of nature.

All other protuberances, furrows,
&e. will be described at the end of
the work, in the Glossary of Terms
used in the Science.

A shell with epedermis is repre-
sented in plate 3d, X ; and the effect
of the epidermis removed at £.

G

42 THE ELEMENTS

The next thing to be taken into
consideration, is the genera compos-
ing the three orders of shells.

OF GENER.

ORDER FIRST.

MULTIVALVE SHELLS.

Animals soft, of a simple structure,
and covered with a calcareous habita-
tion or shell.

Genus Ist.--CHITON. Animal in-
habiting the shell a Doris; shell con-
sisting of several segments or valves,
placed transversely on the back of the
animal, and lying upon each other at
their anterior edge. Linnean Syst.
No. 300.

Ls

OF CONCHOLOGY. 435

The animals of this genus adhere
to rocks and stones, in general near
low water mark, and are, at first view,
very like an oniscus. Plate 5th, fig.
Ist.

Habitation. The Chitons have only
been found to inhabit the ocean.

In Turton’s Linné 28 species of
Chitons are described. Seven species
have been discovered in the British
seas.

Genus 2nd.---LEPAS. Animal a
Triton; shell affixed at the base, and
consisting of many unequal erect
valves. Linn. Syst. No. 301.

The Lepas are termed acorn shells
in England, This genus consists of
two families or divisions, very different
in their form. The first of which is
the balani, or acorn shells, of a sub-
conic form, with an operculum or lid,
consisting of either four or six valves.
The body of the shell has six valves.
Plate 5th, fig. 2nd; and plate Ist, fig.

A4 THE ELEMENTS

Ist. The second family is the anati-
ferous, or goose-bearing shells, as they
are called, which is connected to, and
supported at the base by a tendinous
tube or pedicle, which being of a flex-
ible nature, allows the animal to writhe
about in quest of food ; it has no oper-
culum, is wedge-shaped, and consists
of five or more unequal valves. Plate
Ast, fig. 2nd.

Mr. Montagu in his Testacea Bri-
tannica, made those two families into
two distinet genera. It is singular
Linné should have arranged shells so
very dissimilar in the same genus.

Habitation. The Lepas have only
been found to inhabit the ocean.

The shells of this genus adhere in
clusters to rocks, shells, floating wood,
and other extraneous substances, and
being incapable of changing place,
are supposed to be true hermaphro-
dites.

In Turton’s Linné thirty-two spe-

OF CONCHOLOGY. 45

cies of this genus are described; fif-
teen species have been discovered in
the British seas.

Genus 3d.---PHOLAS. Animal an

Ascidea; shell bivalve, divaricate, with
several lesser, differently shaped, ac-
Gessory ones, at the hinge; henges
recurved, united by a cartilage ; in the
inside, beneath the hinge, is an in-
curved tooth. Linn. Syst. 302. Plate
5th, fig. 3d.
- Habitation. Pholades are found
below high water-mark, burrowed in
hard clay, lime-stone, or sometimes
free-stone, and also wood, which they
perforate in their younger state, and
as they increase in size enlarge their
habitation.

The. phosphorescent properties of
the Pholades are very remarkable ; it
contains a liquor which shines with
uncommon splendour in the dark, and
illuminates whatever it touches, or
happens to fall upon. See Memoirs
of the French Academy, 1712.

46 THE ELEMENTS

“There is a remarkable shell-fish
called Pholes, which forms for itself
holes in different kinds of stone.
This fish illuminates the mouth of the
person who eats it; and it is remark-
ed, that contrary to the nature of other
fish, which give light when they tend
to putrescence, this is more luminous
the fresher it is; and when dried, its
light will revive on being moistened
either with salt water or fresh; brandy
however immediately extinguishes it.”
Priestly’s Optics, page 567.

It is to be regretted, that the expe-
riments made by chemists on those
animals, which have a luminous ap-
pearance in the dark, have not been
sufficiently decisive, to enable us
to state the true cause of it; but it
undoubtedly proceeds from phospho-
rus, which is abundant in all animal —
bodies.

In Turton’s Linné twelve species
are described; five have been found
to inhabit the British coasts.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 47

ORDER SECOND.
BIVALVE SHELLS.

Genus 4th.---MYA. Animalan As-
cidia; shell bivalve, generally gaping
at one end; hinge with broad, thick,
strong, patulous tooth, seldom more
than one, and not inserted in the oppo-
site valve. Linn. Syst.303. Plate 5th,
fig. 4th.

Habitation. 'The Myz are to be
found both in the sea and in rivers.
‘The marine kinds generally live under
sand or sludge, and the place where
they lie is betrayed by a small hole,
out of which they occasionally protude
their proboscis. ‘Those which inhabit
rivers, are generally found in the mud
at its bottom. In some places the
animals are used for food; but what
makes them of considerable import-

48 THE ELEMENTS

ance is, the quantity of pearls which
they sometimes produce. We are
told by Camden, for the value of the
pearls produced by the Mya Mar-
gratifera, that Sir John Hawkins
had a patent for fishing for that shell
in the river Irt in Cumberland.

The French naturalists divide this
genus into three distinct genera:
Mya, Glycimeris, and Vulsella.

In Turton’s Linné twenty-six species
are described; and fourteen have been
ascertained to inhabit Great Britain.

Genus 5th.---SOLEN. Animal an
Ascidia; shell bivalve, oblong, open at
both ends; hinge with a subulate re-
flected tooth, often double, and not
inserted in the opposite valve. Zann.
Syst. 304. Plate 5th, fig. 5th. Razor
shell. '

| Habitation. The Solens have only
been found to inhabit the ocean; they ~
are generally found, buried about six
inches deep, in the sand; their resi-

OF CONCHOLOGY. 49

dence is known by a small dimple on
the surface. In some places they are
used as food.

The French naturalists have divided
the Solens into three distinct genera :
Solen, Sanguinalaria, and Corbula.

In Turton’s Linné twenty-three spe-
cies are described; eleven species
have been ascertained as British.

Genus 6th.---TELLINA. Animal
a Tethys; shell bivalve, generally slop-
ing on one side; in the fore-part of
one valve a convex, of the other a
concave fold; hinge with usually three
teeth, the lateral ones smooth on one
side. Linn. Syst. 305. Plate Sth,
fig. 6th.

‘There are three families of the Tel-
linz : ovate and thickish* ovate and
compressed,** suborbicular.***

Hfabitation. The Tellinze are found
to inhabit the ocean, rivers and lakes.
Those of the ocean lie buried in the
sludge, near the bie and make two

59 THE ELEMENTS

apertures in the sand; when the tide
has receded, they may be easily found
by looking for these marks.

The French writers have divided
the Tellina into three genera: Tellina,
Cyclus, and Pandora.

In Turton’s Linné ninety-four spe-
cies are described: twenty-two spe-
cies have been discovered in Britain.

Genus 7th.--CARDIUM, (acockle.)
Animala'Tethys; shell bivalve, nearly
equilateral, equivalve, generally con-
vex, longitudinally ribbed, striate or
grooved, the margin dentated ; hinge
with two alternate teeth in the mid-
dle, near the beak; one of them com-
monly incurved; and larger remote
lateral teeth on one side, each looking
into the opposite. Linn. Syst. 306.
Plate 5th, fig. 7th.

Habitation. The Cardium, with
the exception of one species, have only
been found to inhabit the ocean ; this
species, the Cardium Fluviatile, has

OF CONCHOLOGY. 5l

been found, sparingly, at the mouth
of the Tees in Yorkshire. Cockles,
in general, live just under the surface
of the sand, barely covered ; they are
necessitated to be near the surface,
from the shortness of their tube, by
which they draw in and throw out the
water.

The French have divided the Car-
dium into three genera: Cardium,
Buearde, and Cordiformes.

In 'Turton’s Linné fifty-two species
are described; fifteen species have
been found in Great Britain.

Genus 8th.----MACTRA. Animal
a Tethys; shell bivalve, with unequal
sides, equivalye ; middle tooth of the _
hinge complicated, with a small hol-
low on each side, lateral-teeth, remote,
and inserted into each other. . Linn.
Syst. 307. Plate 6th, fig. 8th.

Habitation. Shells of this genus
have only been found to inhabit the
ocean, These shells lurk in the sand

52 THE ELEMENTS

or sludge, most commonly at the
mouths of rivers, or near them.

The French naturalists divide the
Mactra into two genera: Mactra and
Lutraria.

In Turton’s Linné twenty-seven
species are described; twelve have
been discovered in the British seas.

Genus 9th.---DONAX. Animal a
Tethys; shell bivalve, with generally
a crenulate margin, the frontal margin
very obtuse; hinge with two teeth,
and a single marginal one placed a
little behind, rarely double, triple or
none. Sinn. Syst. 308. Plate 6th,
fig. Oth.

The shells of this genus are in ge-
neral triangular, inequilateral, flatten-
ed, treuncated before, and wedge-
shaped. }

Habitation. The Donax has only
been found to inhabit the ocean:
lurking in the sand of the shore, and

oF CONCHOLOGY. 53
may be found on the reflux of the
tide.

In Turton’s Linné nineteen of this
genus are described ; and six species
have been found in the British seas.

The French conchologists have di-
vided this genus into two: Donax and
Petricola.

Genus 10th.---VENUS. Animal a
Tethys; shell bivalve, the frontal mar-
gin flattened, with incumbent lips;
hinge with three teeth, all of them
approximate, the lateral ones diver-
gent at the tip. Linn. Syst. 309.
Plate 6th, fig. LOth.

This genus is divided into two sec-
tions: pubentes* and impuberes.**
This latter section is divided into three
families: subcordate,} orbiculate,;-}
and ovalis.(}+
~ Dr. Turton has not followed Linné
in the above arrangement, but has
divided them into three sections; A
somewhat heart-shaped, B orbicular,

b4 THE ELEMENTS

C oval, alittle angular near the beaks.

Habitation. 'The shells of this ge-
nus have only been found to inhabit
the ocean. They in general lurk in
the sand; and many of the larger spe-
cies are only to be found in very deep
water.

The shells composing this numerous
tribe, are perhaps the most elegant,
and beautifully diversified, of all the
bivalve shells.

In Turton’s Linné, no less than 154
species are described ; and 25 species
have been discovered to inhabit the
seas around Great Britain.

Genus IIith--SPONDYLUS. Ani-
mala Tethys: shell hard, solid, and
ridged, with unequal valves ; one valve
in general convex, and the other ra-
ther flat: Ainge with two recurved
teeth, separated by a small hollow.
Linn. Syst.310. Plate 6th, fig. 11th.

Habitation. This genus has only
been found to inhabit the ocean. They

OF CONCHOLOGY. 59

adhere to rocks in deep water, and
require considerable force to tear
them from their retreats.

Some of the Spondyli have ears,
and others not; they are in general
strong, rugose shells. This genus re-
quires considerable attention, as some
of the species vary exceedingly, so
much so that many have been taken
for distinct species.

The French writers divide the Spon-
dyli into two genera: Spondylus, and
Plicatula. The valves of the last are
in general rude, thick, uneven, and
uncouth.

In Turton’s Linné only four spe-
cies are described ; no species of this
genus have been found to inhabit the
British seas.

Genus 12th.---CHAMA. Animala
Tethys; shell bivalve, rather coarse ;
hinge with a eallous gibbosity, ob-
liquely inserted into an oblique cavity;

56 THE ELEMENTS

anterior slope closed. Linn. Syst.
311. Plate 6th, fig. 12th.

Habitation. The shells of this ge-
nus have only been found to inhabit
the ocean ; they live only in very deep
water.

The Chama Gigas is the largest
and heaviest shell yet discovered, be-
ing sometimes of the amazing weight
of 532 pounds, and the animal inhabi-
tant so large as to furnish one hun-
dred and twenty-two men with a meal;
and is said to be very palatable: and
such is its strength that it is able to
cut asunder a ship’s cable. This spe-
cies inhabits the Indian Ocean.

The French writers divide this ge-
nus into five, Chama, Tridacna, Hip-
possus, Cardita, and Lsocardia.

In Turton’s Linné twenty-five spe-
cies are described. Only one of this
genus has been found in the British
seas, the Chama Cor, discovered by
Captain Laskey, off St. Abb’s-head in

OF CONCHOLOGY. 57

Scotland. To that gentleman the
British Conchologist is indebted for
the discovery of many new species.

Genus 13th.---ARCA. Animal a
Tethys; shell bivalve, equivalve; hinge
with numerous sharp teeth, alternately
inserted between each other. Linn.
Syst. 312. Plate 6th, fig. 13th.

Linné divides this genus into two
families: *with the margin entire ;
**with margin crenulated; and has
subdivided each into two sections,
tbeaks recurved; and j++}beaks in-
flected.

Habitation. Some of the Area are
affixed by the foot of the animal to
rocks ; and others lurk in the sand or
mud near the shore, generally be-
tween high and low water mark.
~The Arca have only been found to
inhabit the ocean.
_ This genus takes its name from the
strong resemblance the Arca Noe,
and some others, aKe to the hull of a

08 THE ELEMENTS

vessel when the valves are united.
Many of the Arks are, however, void
of this character, but are sufficiently
united to the genus, by the number
and construction of their teeth.

The French Conchologists have
made two genera of the Arca: Arca
and Nucla. The Arca Noz is an
example of the former, and the Arca
Nucleus of the latter.

In Turton’s Linné forty-two species
are described; and six species have
been found on the British shores.

Genus 14th.--OSTREA, (or oyster.)
Animal a Tethys: shell bivalve, gene-
rally with unequal valves, and slightly
eared ; hinge without teeth, but fur-
nished with an ovate hollow, and
mostly lateral transverse grooves.
fann. Syst. 313. Plate 7th, fig. 14th.

The Ostrea is divided into three
families: *valyes radiated and eared,
as in scallops ; “rugged or rough, as
in the oyster; *“*hinge with a perpen-

OF CONCHOLOGY. 59

dicular furrowed line, as in the spe-
cies of Perna. The first family is
again subdivided into three sections:
fvalves equilateral, and ears equal;
tfears unequal, and having one of them
generally ciliated with spires within;
Titvalves gibbous on one side.

Habitation. The Ostrea have me
been found in the ocean; some lurk
in the sand in large beds, others ad-
here to rocks, and some to trees on
the shores of the West Indies, &c.

The Ostrea might with great pro-
priety be divided into two species,
scallops and oysters, as those sections
are very dissimilar.

The French Naturalists have formed
this genus into seven: Ostrea, Pec-
ten, Malleus, Perna, Lima, Pedum,
and Gryphus.

In Turton’s Linné 187 species are
described ; nine species are found in
the British seas.

60 THE ELEMENTS

Most of the foreign, and a few of
the British Pectens, are very beauti-
ful shells.

Genus 15th.---ANOMIA. Animal
an emarginate ciliate strap-shaped
body, with bristles or fringe affixed
to the upper-valve; arms two, linear
longer than the body, connivent pro-
jecting, alternate on the valve and
ciliate on each side, the fringe affixed
to each valve; shell bivalve, inequi-
valve, one of the valves flattish, the
other gibbous at the base with a pro-
duced beak, generally curved over
the hinge; one of the valves often
perforated near the base ; henge with
a linear prominent cicatrix and a late-
ral tooth placed within, but in the flat
valve on the very margin; two bony
rays for the base of the animal. Lznn.
Syst. 314. Plate 7th, fig. 15th.

Habitation. The Anomia have on-
ly been found to inhabit the ocean.
The animal attaches itself to fuci,

oF CONCHOLOGY. 61

shells, stones, and other extraneous
bodies at the bottom of the sea: they
are generally affixed by a ligament
which passes through the perforation
in the flat valve. A species called the
Squamula is often found adhering to
the Pecten Opercularis, and is very
common at Aberlady Bay in Scotland ;
it resembles the scale of a fish, and
partakes of the form of the furrows and
striz of the Ostrea, which makes it
very beautiful.

Lamarck has divided the Anomia
into three genera: Anomia, Calceola,
and Crania. ,

The Anomia Sandalium of Linné,
is an example of the Calceola, and the
Anomia Craniolaris of the Crania.

In Turton’s Linné fifty-one species
are described ; and six have been dis-
covered on the British shores,

Genus 16th.---MYTILUS, (or mus-
cle.) Animal allied to an Ascidia;

shell bivalve, rough, generally affixed

62 THE ELEMENTS

by a byssus or beard of silky filaments ;
hinge mostly without teeth, with gene-
rally a subulate, excavated, longitudi-
nal line. Lenn. Syst. 315. Plate 7th,
fig. 16th.

The Linnean Mytili are divided into
three families: *Parasitici, &c. parasi-
tical, affixed as it were by claws, as
exemplified in the Mytilus Cristi Galli; ©
**Plani, &c. flat or compressed into a
flattened form, and slightly eared; as
in the Mytilus Margratiferus; ***Ven-
tricosiusculi, &c. ventricose or wear
as in Mytilus Edulis.

Habitation. The Mytili are found
to inhabit the ocean, lakes, rivers and -
ponds. Marine Muscles adhere to
rocks or beds by a thin byssus, and
some to the Gorgoniz by claws. Some
penetrate calcareous rocks, &c. where
they reside without changing place,
some of them adhere to rocks on the
shore, and are either used for bait or
food, and as such they are esteemed

OF CONCHOLOGY:. 635

by many; but it is dangerous to eat
plentifully of them, unless they are
known to be wholesome, as many of
them produce very bad effects after
they are taken into the stomach. The
fresh water muscles are generally
found on the surface, or a little way
under the mud. Some muscles pro-
duce pearls.

Lamarck divides this genus into
three species: Mytilus, Modiolus, and
Anodonta.

In Turton’s Linné sixty-four species
are described ; and thirteen have been
found to inbabit the seas, lakes, &c.
of Great Britain.

Genus 17th.---PINNA. Animal a
Limax ; shell sub-bivalve, fragil, up-
right, gaping at one end, and fur-
nished with a byssus or beard: hinge
without teeth, the valves united into
one. Linn. Syst. 316. Plate 7th,
fig. 17th.

64 THE ELEMENTS

Habitation. The Pinnez, which fre-
quently grow to a large size, are only
found to inhabit the ocean. They are
generally found standing erect in the
smoother water bays, with the broad
end or base of the shell uppermost.
And they are sometimes found affixed
by their byssus to rocks.

In Italy the byssus of the Pinna is
woven into a sort of silk. The fibres
or filaments of which it is composed,
are very tough, and of a fine glossy
brown colour. The ancient Romans
highly esteemed articles made of this
byssus; and at Naples and Palermo
there are still manufactories of it.

This genus forms an excellent inter-
mediate link between the bivalve and
univalve shells, being in truth what
Linné defines it---a sub-bivalve shell ;
it being immoveably fixed, by a calca-
reous process, at the hinge.

The Pinne are wedge-shaped shells,
er somewhat of a triangular form,

OF CONCHOLOGY. 65

widening from the top, which is nar-
row and pointed, to the base which is
wide and extended.

In Turton’s Linné eighteen species
of Pinnz are described; and three
only have been found to inhabit the
British seas. |

ORDER THIRD.

UNIVALVE SHELLS
With a regular Spire.

Genus 18th.--ARGONAUTA. Ani-
mala Sepia or Clio; shell univalve,
spiral, involute, membranaceous, and
unilocular, or consisting of a single
apartment or cell. Linn Syst. 317.
Plate 7th, fig. 18th. ,

Habitation. The Argonaute have
only been found oo inhabit the ocean,

66 THE ELEMENTS

and are found among the rocks near
the shore, in the Mediterranean and
Indian Ocean.
The Argonauta argo is the Nauti-
lus so famous amongst the ancients,
and often mentioned in the writings
of Pliny and others. It is supposed
that in the earliest ages of society,
this shell suggested to men the first
idea of using sails. In calm weather
it rises to the surface of the water,
(which it does by discharging a quan-
tity of fluid, that rendered it specifi-
cally heavier than the sea-water,) and
spreads its arms over the shell, which
answer the purpose of oars; it then
throws out and.» expands a double
membrane, which it ean oblique in any
direction at pleasure, this answers the
purpose of a sail, and by this it is im-
pelled forward by the breeze, like a
ship under sail; two of its arms hang
over the sbell, and serve as rudders
or oars, to direct its course. In the

OF CONCHOLOGY. 67

event of danger it immediately with-
draws within its cell, and sinks to the
bottom.

Lamarck proposes two distinct ge-
nera of the Argonauta. The first is
exemplified by the Argonauta Argo
of Linné; the second is constituted
by the Argonauta Vitreus of Gmelin,
and he terms it Carinaria: It is some-
what remarkable, that the great Linné
should have been completely at a loss
where to place this shell; and in the
twelfth edition of the Systema Natu-
re, we find it placed among the Pi-
tillee, under the title of Patella Cristata,
to which tribe it bears no resemblance.
It was by Gmelin, with more propri-
ety placed among the Argonauta; but
even in this situation it seems mis-
placed, and I concur with Lamarck
in the propriety of forming a new
genus with it. Lamarck terms it the
Carinaria. |

68 THE ELEMENTS

In Turton’s Linné five species of
this genus are described; none of
which have been found to inhabit the
British seas.

Genus 19th.---NAUTILUS. Ani-
mal (Rumphfius Mus. table 17, fig. B;)
shell univalve, divided into several! de-
partments, communicating with each
other by a sephunculus or aperture.
Finn. Syst. 318. Plate 7th, fig. 19th.

The Linnean Nautili are divided
into two families : *spiral and rounded,
*“elongated and straight. Of the for-
mer there are two sections: whorls
contiguous, ~~}whorls separated. |

Habitation. With a very few ex-
ceptions the Nautili have only been
found to inhabit the ocean.

Some modern authors propose to
divide this genus into three: Nauti-
lus, Spirula, and Orthocrea.

Many of the Nautili are found in a
fossil state ; see Parkinson’s. Organic
Remains, vol. 3.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 69

In Turton’s Linné thirty-one species
of this genus are described ; seventeen
species have been found on the Bri-
tish coast; and the greatest number
of them was discovered by George
Montagu, Esq. author of the Testacea
Britannica, which is by far the best
work on Conchology in the English
language.

Genus 20th _-CONUS, Animal a
Limax ; shell univalve, convolute, tur-
binate ; aperture effuse, longitudinal,
linear, without teeth, entire at the
base ; pillar smooth. Linn. Syst. 319.
Plate 8th, fig. 20.

This genus in the Linnean System
is divided into five families: *truncati,
&c. having the spire or turban nearly
truncate or flat; **pyriformis, &c.
pyriform, with the base rotundate,
and sub-cylindrical, the cylinder one
half longer than the spire; ***elon-
gate, with the base rotundate, cylinder
twice the length of the spire; ****ven-

70 THE ELEMENTS

tricose in the middle, and narrow at
each end; *****ventricose, emits a
tinkling sound when thrown on its
back upon a table.

Habitation. 'The Cones have only
been found to inhabit the ocean, and
are generally found on rocky shores.

This genus is a very good one, and
well defined by Linné. Although it
contains a great many species, none
have been found among them to differ
so much, as to allow any one to attempt
a new genus from it.

Many of the Cones are very beauti-
ful. These shells, in general, are the
highest priced of all shells, as they are
very rare. Qne species, the Cedo
Nulli of Lyonet, is valued at one hun-
dred guineas. Very few perfect speci-
mens of this shell are known; and
those are only to be met with in the
most valuable cabinets.

In Parkinson's Organic Remains,
vol, 3, seyeral curious’ specimens are

OF CONCHOLOGY. val

described; many. of them from the
chalk cliffs in Hampshire.

In Turton’s Linné seventy-one spe-
cies of cones are described ; none of
this genus have been found to inhabit
the British seas.

Genus 2\st.---CYPR/EA (or Cow-
ry.) Animal a Slug; shell univalve,
involute, sub-ovate, smooth, obtuse at
each end; aperture effuse at each end,
linear, extending the whole length of
the shell, and dentated or toothed on
each side. Linn. Syst. 320. Plate
8th, fig. 21.

Linné divides the genus Cypraa
into four families: *mucronate, or
pointed; “obtuse, and without any
manifest spire; ***umbilicated, or with
a small perforation ; ****marginated.

The genus Cyprza consists of beau-
tifully coloured, and very highly polish-
ed shells. It is said, that all the Cy-
prea leave their shells annually, and
construct new and larger ones. But

62 THE ELEMENTS

we have not been able to ascertain this
point as a fact.

Habitation. 'They live in sand at
the bottom of the sea; and the animals
are provided with a membrane, which
they throw over their shells, which
preserves the fine polish, and prevents
other testaceous bodies from fixing on
them. ‘The Cypreea have only been
found to inhabit the ocean.

In Turton’s Linné 120 species of
Cyprea are described ; and only one
has been found in the British seas.

Genus 22nd.---BULLA. Animal a
Limax; shell univalve, convolute, and
unarmed with teeth; aperture a little
straitened, oblong, longitudinal, very
entire at the base; pellar oblique and
smooth. Linn. Syst. 321. Plate 8th,
fig. 22nd.

Habitation. The shells composing
the Bulla genus are found to inhabit
the ocean, lakes, rivers, and ditches.
Those which inhabit the ocean, are

OF CONCHOLOGY. 73

found a few inches ‘under the sand.
They may be frequently taken alive
in little pools, between high and low
water-mark, in which they are often
seen sporting, with a very rapid mo-
tion in the sun-beams.

The animal inhabiting the Bulla is
considerably too large for its shell,
and cannot contract itself wholly with-
in it, as most other animals can do,
which inhabit shells.

The French Conchologists have di-
vided this genus into several new
ones ; the most prominent of these is
the Ovum; at the head of which
stands Linné’s Bulla Ovum.

In Turton’s Linné fifty-two species
of Bulle are described; and nineteen
species have been found to be indige-
nous to the British seas, lakes, rivers,
&e.

Genus 23d.---VOLUTA. Animal
a Limax; shell single-celled and spi-
ral; aperture i aa a beak and

74 THE ELEMENTS

somewhat effuse; pillar twisted or
plaited, generally without lips or per-
foration. Linn. Syst. 322. Plate 8th,
fig. 25d.

Linné divides this yery extensive
genus of shells into five distinct fami-
lies: *aperture or opening entire ;
*“*somewhat cylindrical and emargi-
ginate ; ***obovate, effuse, and emar-
ginate ; **“fusiform ; *****ventricose,
spire papillary at the top.

Habitation. The Volutes have on-
ly been found to inhabit the ocean,
and are most common in inter-tropical
climates.

The French writers on Conchology,
have divided the Linnean Volute into
several new genera: Oliva, Turbinella,
Mitra, Harpa, Musica, and Volva.

In Turton’s Linné 144 species of
Volutes are described; and eleven
species haye been found to inhabit the
British seas.

OF CONCHOLOGY. fs)
Genus 24th.---BUCCINUM. Anvi-

mal a Limax; shell univalve, spiral,
gibbous ; aperture ovate, terminating
in a short canal leaning to the right,
with a retuse beak or projection ; pl-
lar-lip expanded. Linn. Syst. 323.
Plate 8th, fig. 24th.

The Buccina are divided by Linné
into nine families: *ampulla, &c. inflat-
ed, rounded, thin, sub-diaphanous,
and brittle; ** cassidea, caudata, &e.
with a short, exerted, reflected beak,
lip unarmed outwardly; ***cassidea,
unguiculated, &c. lip aculated on the
outside of the posterior part; in other
respects resembling the last division ;
****callosa, &c. pillar-lip dilated and
thickened ; *****dentrila, &c. pillar-lip
appearing as if worn flat; ******leevi-
gata, &c. smooth, and not enumerated
in the former divisions ; ****""*angu-
~ Jar, and not included in the former
divisions ; “tapering, subulate,
and smooth.

70 THE ELEMENTS

Habitation. The Buccina generally
inhabit the ocean, with the exception
of a very few species, which are found
to inhabit the earth.

Lamarck has divided the genus
‘Buccinum into seven genera: Do-
lium, Harpa, Cassis, Terebra, Purpura,
Buccinum, and Nassa.

The shells composing the genus
Buccinum are in general strong and
hollow; they adhere to rocks and
stones in the ocean, and deposit their
ova in deep water. Some of the larger
kinds are said to have been used as
trumpets in ancient times.

In Turton’s Linné 202 species of
Buccina are described ; and eighteen
species have been ascertained to in-
habit the British shores.

Genus 25th.---STROMBUS. Anz-
mala Limax: shell univalve and spi-
ral; aperture much dilated; the ip
expanding and produced into a groove

OF CONCHOLOGY. V7

leaning to the left. Linn. Syst. 324.
Plate 8th, fig. 25th. :

Linné divides the Strombi into four
families: *lip projecting into linear
divisions or claws; **lobed; ***di-
lated ; ****tapering, with a very long
spire. |

Habitation. The shells composing
this genus, have only been found to
inhabit the ocean; and are in general
found on rocky shores. The Strom-
bus Gigas is to be seen, when the
water is clear, crawling on the large
flat rocks which surround many of the
West India islands, at the depth of
from fifteen to twenty feet.

The young shells of this genus want
the dilated lip, which is’ one of the
most essential characters of the Strom-
bi, and are in consequence often con-
founded with the Buccinum and Mu-
yex. |
_ The French Conchologists divide
the Linnean Strombi into three ge-

43 THE ELEMENTS

nera: Strombus, Pterocera, and Ros-
tellaria.

In Turton’s Linné fifty-five species
of Strombi are described; and only
two have been found to inhabit the
British seas.

Genus 26th.---MUREX. Animala
Limax ; shell univalve, spiral, rough,
with membraneous sutures ; aperture
oval, ending in an entire straight or
slightly ascending canal. Linn. Syst.
325. Plate 8th, fig. 26th.

Linné divides the Murices into six
families: +*Spinosi, spinous, with a
‘produced beak; **Frondosi Suturis,
sutures expanding inte crisped folia-
tions; beak abbreviated; ***Ventri-
cose, with thick protuberant rounded
sutures; ****Ecaudati, more or less
spinous, and without manifest beak ;
*****Caudigeri, with a long, straight,
subulate, closed beak, and unarmed
with spines; ******Turriti, tapering,
subulate, with a very short beak.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 79

Habitation. The Murices are only
found to inhabit the ocean. They in
general are to be found on rocky
shores, and some of them burrow in
the sand.

The shells of this genus are in
general thick, strong, and heavy, and
often rugged ; from which they have
obtained the name of rocks in England.

The modern French and German
Testaceologists, have divided the Lin-
nean Murex into three genera: Fas-
- ciolaria, Pleurotoma, and Murex.

The first of these are shells of a fu-
siform or spindle shape, and smooth,
with several oblique folds in the pillar.
The Plurotoma are also spindle-shaped,
with the aperture terminating in along
canal, lip cleft near the summit. The
Murex are those shells of an oval or
oblong form, with a canal at the base,
and the shell externally beset with
prominent, longitudinal ridges, and
often tuberculated.

80 THE ELEMENTS

In Turton’s Linné 182 species of
Murices are described; and twenty-
two species have been ascertained to
inhabit the British seas.

Genus 27th.----TROCHUS. Ani-
mal a Limax: shell univalve, spiral
more or less conic; aperture some-
what angular or rounded, the upper
side transverse and contracted ; pillar
placed obliquely. Zinn. Syst. 326.
Plate 8th, fig. 27th. "

Linné divides the Trochi into three
families: «Umbilicate, erect, with pil-
lar perforated ; **Imperforati, imper-
forate, erect, with the umbilicus
closed; ***Turiti, tapering, with aun
inserted pillar, and falling on the side
when placed upon the base. |

Habitation. The Trochi have
mostly been found to inhabit the
ocean, with a few land species. They
most frequently live neat the shore in
pools, or such places as are always

OF CONCHOLOGY. 8l

wet when the tide recedes ; some few
of them live in very deep water.

Lamarck and Latrellie have made a
new genus from the Trochi of Linné,
under the name of Pyramidella ; the
generic character of which is opening,
entire, and semi-oval, pillar projecting
and raised with three transverse folds,
perforated at the base as in the Tro-
chus Dolabratus of Linné. The above
writers have formed two other genera,
Salarium and Monodonta. The Tro-
chus perspectives, or what is called
the Staincase Trochus in England,
illustrates the first; and Trochus La-
bio the second.

In Turton’s Linné 133 species are
described; and twelve have been
found on the British coasts, including
one species found on the mountains of
Cumberland.

Genus 28th.--TURBO. Animal a
Limax ; shell univalve, spiral, and so-
lid; aperture crema orbicular,

G2 THE ELEMENTS

entire. Zinn. Syst. 327. Plate 9th,
fig. 26th.

- The shells composing this genus
are divided into five families: *Neri-
toidei, &c. with the pillar-margin of
the aperture dilated and imperforate ;_
**Solidi, &c. solid and imperforate ;
*** Solidi, &c. solid, perforated ;
****Cancellati, cancellate; *****Tur-
riti, tapering.

_ Habitation. The shells of this ge-
nus are found to inhabit the sea, land,
and fresh water ; the Turbines adhere
to rocks near the shore; and some of
them live in very deep water.

The Turbo Scalaris, or wentle-
trap, as it is termed in England, is
very much esteemed by collectors,
and is rather a scarce shell. A mo-
dern author proposes a new genus
from this and similar species; and:
the longitudinal ribs, he marks as
the distinguishing characteristics ; al-
though we must in candour admit,

OF CONCHOLOGY. 83

that the Linnean Turbo, in its present
form, is rather too copious and diffuse,
yet we cannot approve of establishing
new genera from shells, which differ
in so trifling a degree; as genera,
established on such flimsy greunds,
would be endless.

In Turton’s Linné 151 species of
Turbines are described ; and no less
than 69 species have been ascertained
as indigenous to Britain.

Genus 29th.---HELIX. Animal a
Limax ; shell univalve, spiral, subdia-
phanous, brittle ; aperture contracted,
semilunar or roundish. Zann. Syst.
328. Plate 7th, fig. 29th.

Linné divides the Helices into six
families: *Ancipites ; &c. angulated on
both sides; **Carinate, &e. whorls
with a carinate acute margin; ***
Rotundate, &c. whorls rounded and
umbilicated ; ****rounded and imper-
forate ; *****Turrite, tapering ; ******
Ovate, &c. ovate and imperforate.

84 THE ELEMENTS

Habitation. 'The Helices are found
to inhabit the ocean, land, rivers, lakes,
&e. They are inhabitants of almost
all parts of the globe; and are in
general very numerous. On land they
are found to inhabit trees, old walls,
mossy banks, rocks; and are often
found under stones, &c.

The Helices are termed snails in
England; they feed on vegetables,
&c. It has been asserted, and on appa-
rently good authority, that snails have
been known to revive after remaining
in a state of torpidity for about fifteen
years; snails are possessed of very
considerable reproductive powers, and
are capable of regenerating the head,
after it is taken off.

The Helices are a numerous tribe,
and many of them are beautifully
formed. |

Modern Testaceologists have di-
vided this genus into six genera: Jan-

OF CONCHOLOGY. 35

thina, Helix, Lymnea, Bulimus, Mela-
nia, and Planorbis.

In Turton’s Linné 267 species of
Helix are described ; and 67 species
have been ascertained as indigenous
to Britain. |

Genus 30th.--NERITA. Animal
a Limax; shell univalve, spiral, gib-
bous, flattish at bottom; aperture
semiorbicular, or semilunar; paliar-lip
transversely truncate, flattish. Lenn.
Syst. 329 Plate 9th, fig. 30th.

This genus is divided into three
families : *Umbilicate, umbilicate ;
*“Imperforate, &c. imperforate, with
the lips toothless ; ***Imperforate,
with the lips toothed.

Habitation. The Neritz inhabit
the sea, lakes, and rivers. Those in-
habiting the sea are, for the most part,
found near the shore, and several are
attached to marine plants; and some
are only found in deep water, so that

36 THE ELEMENTS

live specimens can only be had by
trawling for them. 7

The continental writers on Con-
chology, Lamarck, Latreille, &c. have
made a new genus from the Nerite,
termed Natica, which embraces the
‘umbilicated kinds, such as the Glau-
cina and its corresponding - species.
We, however, can see no particular
reason for making this a generic dis-
tinction. The Linnean Nerite is a
very good genus, and there is nothing
in the general character of any of the
species, which can perplex even a
young student. We think it tends ra-
ther to retard than to advance the pro-
gress of the science, to construct new
genera, where there are not strong
motives for doing so.

In Turton’s Linné 76 species of
Nerites are described; and eight
species have been found indigenous to
Britain.

Geans, Blat EIALIOTIS: ine

OF CONCHOLOGY. 87

mala Limax; shell ear-shaped, uni-
valve, and dilated, with a longitudinal
row of orifices along the surface ; spare
lateral, and nearly concealed. Linn.
Syst. 330. Plate 9th, fig. Sist.

Habitation. The shells composing
the genus Haliotis, have only been
found to inhabit the sea. They adhere
closely to rocks, and can only be re-
moved by suddenly snatching them
from their hold. In some places the
animal inhabitant is esteemed good
eating. One species, the Haliotis
Tuberculata, is very common in
Guernsey.

The shells of shai genus are so very
distinct, that they can hardly be mis-
taken, the Helix Haleotida, indeed,
approaches very near to the Falotzs,
but it wants the most striking charac-
teristic, the longitudinal series of
orifices; in other respects it is very
similar to the Haliotis, having a pear-
laceous inside, and being ear-shaped.

88 THE ELEMENTS

On the other hand, its prominent spire
certainly removes it from this genus.

Gmelen has placed the Hilex Per-
versa and the Haliotidia, both imper-
forate shells, among the Haliotis tribe,
in his edition of the Systema Nature ;
and quotes Chemnitz, as authority for
so doing: but we think he would have
been less blameable, had he consti-
tuted a new genus of these imperforate
shells.

Heblins, Lamarck, Latreille, and
other continental writers, have made
a new genus of the imperforate shells,
and named it Stomatia, with the
following generic character : “ shell of
an oval form, ear-shaped ; spire
prominent; aperture ample, entire,
oblong ; disk imperforate.”

There is no genus of shells which
has been so often misplaced as the
Haliotis. Lister places it between the
Trochus and Nerita, Gualtieri among
the snails with depressed spires, Adan-

OF CONCHOLOGY. 89

son in the first genus of spiral shells ;
and Da Casta, going still further from
the point, places it as his second genus
of simple shells.

We see no situation in the present
arrangement so well adapted to this
genus, as the one it now occupies.
It is the most simple of the spiral
shells, consequently it now stands
in its proper place, as the last of the
spiral shells, preceding those shells
destitute of a regular spire.

It is asserted, that as anew hole is
added by the animal to the shell, it
carefully closes up the next open one
to the spire; by which means the
number of orifices are, in general, the
same in all shells of one species.

In Turton’s Linné 19 species of
Haliotis are described ; and only one
has been found to inhabit the British

seas.
N

90 THE ELEMENTS

DIVISION SECOND.
Shells without a regular spire.

Genus 32nd.---PATELLA. Animal
a Limax ; shell univalve, subconie,
shaped like a bason; without a spire.
Linn. Syst. $31. Plate 9th, fig. 32.

Linné divides this genus into five
families : *Labiate, &c. furnished with
an internal lip; shell entire; **Den-
tate, &c. with the margin angular or
irregularly toothed ; ***Mucronate,
&e. with a pointed recurved tip or
crown; *“***Integerrime, &c. very
entire, and not pointed at the tip
or vertex ; ***** Perforate, &c. with the
crown perforated.

Habitation. This tribe of shells
have been found to inhabit the sea,
lakes, and rivers. ‘Those of the sea
in general adhere to rocks and stones

OF CONCHOLOGY. 91

on the shore; and are so tenacious,
that they cannot be removed without
breaking the shell, unless taken by
surprise. Those inhabiting fresh wa-
ter are generally found adhering to
aquatic plants. The Patelle are
called limpets in England.

The Patella is a very good genus,
though there are several authors who
dispute this point. We cannot see
that the distinctive characters Lamarck
has chosen, are sufficient reason for
the formation of new genera; their
division into sections appears to us
quite sufficient ; for with the excep-
tion of the chambered limpets, they
are all perfectly simple shells, and
very like each other.

Lamarck forms the Patelle into six
genera: Patella, Fissurella, Emargi-
nula, Concholepas, Crepidula, and
Calyptrzea.

In Turton’s Linné no less than 240
species of Limpets are described ;

92 THE ELEMENTS

and fourteen species have been ascer-
tained to be indigenous to Britain.

Genus 33d.—DENTALIUM. Ani-
mala Terebella; shed/ univalve, tubu-
lar, straight or slightly curved, with
cavity undivided, and open at both
ends. Linn. Syst. 332. Plate 9th,
fie. 33d.

Habitation. ‘The shells of this ge-
nus are only found to inhabit the
ocean. ‘They are solitary, and are to
be found immersed in the mud, in an
oblique or perpendicular position.---
And the shores are those which have
flat extended beaches, and on which
a quantity of soft mud is collected,
commonly known by the name of
sludge. ‘This genus is unquestionably
simple, and very distinct and perfect.
Continental Testaceologists have also
endeavoured to overturn this genus,
but without effect. It is defined with
too much precision and simplicity to
be altered.

GF CONCHOLOGY 93

The shells of this genus are known
in England by the name of tooth-shells,
or sea teeth.

In 'Turten’s Linné 22 species of
Dentalium are described; and seven
have been found to inhabit the British
coasts.

Genus 34th.---SERPULA. Anz-
mala Terebeila; shell univalve, tubu-
lar, generally adhering to other sub-
stances; often separated internally
by divisions at uncertain distances.
Linn. Syst. 333. Plate 9th, fiz. 34.

Habitation. The Serpule have
only been found to inhabit the ocean.
They are generally found adhering to
stones, shells, and plants, &c. some-
times a plurality of species are found
onone stone or shell. There are also
several species of Serpula which are
unattached. |

There haye been several attempts
to divide and amend the Linnean Ser-
pula, which is certainly a very irregu-

G4 THE ELEMENTS

lar genus; but none of those are by
any means satisfactory. Mr. Mon-
tagu in his Zestacea Britannica has
divided this genus into two, under
the names Serpula, which are shells
attached to other bodies; and Ver-
geacelum, shells unattached. But in
this division the generic characters are
no more definite than that of Linné.

In Turton’s Linné 48 species of
Serpula are described ; and 27 species
are ascertained to be inhabitants of
the British seas.

Genus 35th.---TEREDO. Animal
a Terebella, with two calcareous,
hemispherical valves cut off before,
and two lanceotate ones: shell taper-
ing, flexous, and capable of penetrating
wood. Linn. Syst. 334. Plate 9th,
fig. 35. |

Habitation. 'The shells of this
genus inhabit the bottoms of ships ;
and oak poles, which are under water
in harbours, &c. One species has

OF CONCHOLOGY. 94

been found in the mud, at the bottom
of the ocean. This last mentioned
shell is the Zeredo Gigantea, and has
been described to be five feet four
inches in length, nine inches in cir-
cumference at the larger end, and two
and one half inches at the smaller.
See Philosophical Transactions of the
Royal Society for 1810.

The Teredo Navwalis has been
termed, in this country, the ship
worm ; it insinuates itself into the
bottoms of ships, even although the
oak is perfectly sound, and in a very
short time completely destroys it.
This destructive creature was origi-
nally brought by our vessels from
tropical climates; but has now be-
come an inhabitant of most of the har-
bours of this island, and is very com-
mon in Plymouth Dock.

We think it has been pretty clearly
proved by that learned and very inde-
fatigable naturalist, George Montagu,

96 THE ELEMENTS

Esq. in his supplement to Testacea
Britannica, that the animal inhabit-
ing the Teredo, is not a Terebella, but
an Ascidea.

There are three species of this shell
described in Turton’s Linné ; and one
has been found to inhabit the British
seas.

Genus 36th.---SABELLA. Animal
a Nereis, with a ringent mouth, and
two thicker tentacula behind the head;
shell tubular, composed of. particles
of sand, broken shells, and vegetable
substances, united to a membrane
by a glutinous cement.

Habitation. The shells, (if they
ean be called so) according to Linné
inhabit the sea and fresh water
ditches, &e.

The shells of this genus cannot with
propriety be called testaceous, nor
are they crustaceous, but coverings
made up of extraneous substances ;
and may therefore fairly be expunged

OF CONCHOLOGY. 97

from the collection of the Testaceolo-
gist. I shall give an extract from
the eighth vol. of the Linnean 'Transac-
tions, beipg the concluding paragraph
of the catalogue of British shells, the
joint labours of Dr. Maton and the
Rey. Mr. Rackett; which is a work of
great merit, and indispensable to the
collector of British shells.

‘© We venture so far to dissent from
the great authority of Linneus, as to
exclude from this descriptive cata-
logue of British Testacea the genus
Sabella. The animals included under
that genus, have for their coverings
particles of sand agglutinated on the
external membrane, and resemble
rather the /arve of certain ¢ensects,
than the testaceous vermes. The lat-
ter form their calcareous integuments
entirely from the secretions of their
own surfaces, and are attached to these
by cartilaginous processes, so as to
render them nspentiel and indispen-

98 THE ELEMENTS

sable parts of their structure. The
coverings of the Sabella seem to be |
more of an adventitious nature, and
may be considered rather as serving
the purposes, than as being organized
integrals of the contained animal.---
If these ideas be correct, the genus
Sabella does not come within our
province.”

In Turton’s Linné 25 species of
Sabellz are described ; and Mr. Mon-
tagu has discovered 12 on the British
coasts. '

Ses oo
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION

OF THE

PLATES.

= Ola
PLATE I.
MULTIVALVE SHELLS.

Fig. Ist.----LEPAS RUGOSA.---
With a sub-cylindric shell, usually

OF CONCHOLOGY. 99

six furrows, which frequently widen
towards the top, and_ terminate
in angulated points, sometimes as
wide as at the base; compartments
suleated, or sometimes striated longi-
tudinally ; of a yellowish colour ; oper-
culum consisting of four rough, an-
gulated, erect valves.

Linn. Trans. vol. viil. page 25.

A operculum, B the base, F Fridges
or furrows, Ha stone to which the
base of the shell is affixed.

Fig. 2nd.---LEPAS ANATIFERA.
Shell compressed, with five obsoletely
striated valves ; the lower valves some-
what triangular; the superior ones
long, and tapering to an obtuse point.
The valves connected by a cartilage,
of a reddish colour, and affixed to a
peduncle of a colour between ver-
million and orange.

This shell is generally affixed to
pieces of rotten wood and to the bot-
toms of vessels, and is found in almost

> . .
100 THE ELEMENTS

all seas. Found plentifully on the
sides of the New Bason, Leith.
Linn. Trans. vol. viii, page 28.

| BB base, CC peduncle, D DD li-
gament, HE feelers, G a piece of
wood to which the peduncle is affixed.
_ Fig. 3d. represents a spoon for lift-
ing fresh water shells. It is made of
white iron of a circular form, and five
inches in diameter, concave, and per-
forated with small holes to allow the
water to eseape; they must be very
small, ‘The margin should be sur-
rounded with a perpendicular rim of
about half an inch in height. Some
of the fresh water shells being ex-
tremely minute, of course will pass
through with the water, if the holes
are too large. There is a hollow
handle to the spoon, which should be
fitted to the point of a walking stick ;
and it may be put into the pocket when
not used. This spoon will be found
very useful, in taking shells which sel-

OF CONCHOLOGY. 10]

dom can be come at, without some
assistance of the kind. It should
always be carried in the pocket, when
a person goes a-walking ; and in
botanizing excursions, when in search
of aquatic plants, a few rare shells
may be at same time picked up in
ditches, &c. It must be understood,
that shells which inhabit fresh water,
from their colour are very difficult to
be seen in their places of abode, being
in general so much like the bottom of
the ditches; of course the collector is
not to content himself with only taking
those shells he can observe, but must
frequently rake the bottom, and also
among plants, and weeds, when he
will in general find shells which were
hidden from his view. In very fine
sunshine days in summer, shells which
inhabit fresh water, are either floating
on the surface of the water, or crawling
on aquatic plants: and land shells, are
generally seen crawling abroad in

102 THE ELEMENTS

dewy mornings, or after a gentle
shower of rain.

BIVALVE.

Fig. 4th.---VENUS CHIONE.
Shell strong, sub-cordated, somewhat
concentrically wrinkled, margin en-
tire, covered with a smooth, glossy,
chesnut-coloured epidermis ; some-
times a little radiated ; beneath which
the shell is of a beautiful pale purple ;
apex turned sideways, with a cordi-
form depression ; wmbo placed nearest
oneend. Found at Falmouth in Corn-
wall.

Linn. Trans. vol. vill. page 84.

aa Summit, 66 lunule, ¢ anterior
slope, & posterior slope, o disk, p
margin or limb.

Fig. 5th.---SOLEN SILIQUA.
Shell linear, straight ; in one valve two
teeth, and one in the other, with a
lateral inclined tooth corresponding

OF CONCHROLOGY 103

with the opposite lamina; with a fine
olivaceous brown epidermis, very
glossy, with transverse striz which
takes a longitudinal direction across
the shell. Common on most sandy
shores.

Linn. Trans. vol. viii. page 43.

ov Breadth of the shell, ww length
of the shell.
- Fig. 6th--VENUS COMPRESSA.
Shell strong, thick, sub-orbicular,
compressed, and slightly suleated or
irregularly wrinkled ; colour white,
but is usually covered by a thick yel-
lowish-brown epidermis; wumbo pro-
minent, turning to one side, beneath
which is a small cordiform depression;
hinge with two teeth in one valve, and
a transverse one. |

e Sides, d base, ee cicatrix, gg
teeth of the hinge, w the umbo.

Supp. to Testa. Brit. page 43.

Fig. “th.----ANOMIA EPHIP-
PIUM. Shell sub-orbicular, irregu-

104 THE ELEMENTS

larly wrinkled, and waved ; upper valve
convex, under flat and perforated at
the hinge, through which the liga-
ment passes by which it is affixed to
other bodies ; inside pearlaceous, and
of various changing colours ;_ green
purple, violet or yellow.

Often to be met with adhering to
the common oyster, or ostrea maxima.

Linn. Trans. vol. viii. page 102.

a Base, m ligament perforation.

Fig. 8th.---VENUS DECUSSATA.
Shell ovate, with decussate strice, an-
gular before ; apex turned to one side ;
umbo placed nearest one end; hinge
furnished with three teeth in one valve;
posterior slope very minute and re-
tuse ; anterior slope long and narrow,
with generally an inner blue margin.
The outside is commonly of a plain
rusty brown, and marked with purple
zigzag lines.
- Linn. Trans. vol. viii. page 88.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 105

a Summit, ce cicatrix, ggg teeth
of the hinge, the inside.

a

PLATE II.

BIVALVE SHELLS...

Fig. Ist.----SOLEN ANTIQUA-
TUS. Shell thin, white, and sub-
pellucid; moderately glossy, with
concentric striz; ends rounded and
gaping ; hinge near the centre, fur-
nished with a single tooth in one valve
looking in between two in the oppo-
site, the teeth are erect, oblique, and
stand beyond the margin; outside
covered with an umber-coloured epz-
dermis. Found on the Corawail and
Dorsetshire coasts, &c.

Linn. Trans. vol. vili. page 46.

i The cartilage, m inside, p margin

or limb, ¢ hinge.
P

106 THE ELEMENTS

Fig. 2ad.----OSTREA LAEVIS.
Shell thin, flat, sub-orbicular, and
pellucid, longitudinally and_ tians-
versely striated ; one ear considerably
larger than the other; colour various,
sometimes orange, dark pink, ce.
Not uncommon on the coast of Nor-
thumberland. ‘The strice on this shell
is so minute, that it can seldom be
seen with the naked eye.

. Linn. Trans. vol. viii. page 100.

J Longitudinal and transverse striz,
hh ears or auricles.
_ Fig. 3d.---TELUINA FABULA.
Shell very thin, pellucid and oval,
generally of a dull yellow, and. darker
towards the umbo; which is nearly
central, pointed, and turned a little to
one side; the anterior side slopes to
an obtuse point, the posterior side is
large and rounded; Aenge furnished
with three teeth in one valve and two
in the other.

This shell is often mistaken for the

OF CONCHOLOGY. 107

Tellina Tenuis, to which it bears
some resemblance, but may be easily
distinguished from that shell, by the
right valve being covered with a fine,
regular, diagonal striz; which is not
conspicuous without the assistance of
a lens, which makes it appear very
plain. Not uncommon on the coasts
of Northumberland, Dorsetshire, and
Devonshire.

Linn. Trans. vol. vill. page’52.

l Cartilage, qq hinge.

Fig. 4th---MYTILUS EDULIS.
Shell oblong, pointed at the beak, sides
much sloped; anterior side a little
angulated ; smooth and radiated with
deep blue, or purple; covered with
an umber-coloured epidermis. Inside,
round the margin, of a fine blue, which
grows gradually lighter towards the
“centre; cicatrix very distinct and
glossy; beneath the beak are several
crenulations, which some have sup-
posed to be teeth. This is the most

108 THE ELEMENTS

common shell we have, and well
known by the name of muscle.

Linn. Trans. vol. viii. page 105.

iThe cartilage, vv length of the
shell, 22 breadth of the shell.

Fig. 5th.---CHAMA COR. Shell
sub-globose, beaks recurved ; anterior
slope with a gaping fent, slightly
wrinkled transversely, covered with
a terra sienna coloured epidermis ;
umbo large and prominent, much con-
torted or incurvated, and turned to
one side, and not touching when the
valves are closed ; hinge strong, teeth
flattish. Inside smooth, white; margin
plain. This is a very scarce British
shell; and has been found off the North
Foreland, the Hebrides, and off St.
Abb’s Head by Captain Laskey.

Linn. Trans vol. vill. page 90.

o Disk, rv beak.

Fig. 6th---MYTILUS EDULIS.
See description at fig. 4th.

s The byssus or beard, ¢é seam.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 109

UNIVALVE SHELLS.

Fig. 7th.-VOLUTA OLIVA. Shell
smooth and glossy; spire reflected
at the base; pellar with four plaits ;
clouded, or covered with zigzag or
waved lines of a pale brown colour.
Found in the Indian seas, in endless
varieties of colours and markings. |

Linn. Syst. Nature, vol. ii. page
1188. Turton’s Linné, vol. iv. page
326.

A’ Apex, I front, Nouter lip, 4
plaits of the pillar lip or columella.

Fig 8th---HELIX VIVIPARA.
Shell with six ventricose whorls, sepa-
rated by a deep depressed line, sub-
ovate and obtuse, of an olive-green,
with generally three fasci or bands
* on the body of the shell, and two on
the superior volutions, which become
obscure in the fourth, slightly wrinkled
transversely : aperture sub-orbicular ;

110 THE ELEMENTS

ptllar-lip reflected: sub-umbilicated.
Found in the Thames and New River.

Lion. Trans. vol. viii. page 205.

A Apex, # base, La whorl, rr
bands or fasci.

Fig. 9th.---HELIX POLITA. Shell
strong, white, glossy and smooth, with
from nine to twelve volutions, scarcely
defined by a separating line, slender
and gradually tapering to a point;
aperture oval, outer lip thick, but not
marginated, inner or péllar-lip repli-
eated. Found in Devonshire, Der-
setshire, Northumberland, and at
Dunbar in Scotland.

Linn. Trans. vol. viil. page 210.

A Apex, & base, # # suture of the
spire or whorls, C aperture.

Fig. 10th.--BUCCINUM UNDA-
TUM. Shell with from seven to
eight ventricose volutions, with un-
dulated ribs; transversely striated, and
crossed with five longitudinal striz;
ptllar-lip reflected, and glabrous.

OF CONCHOLOGY. ii

A common shell on many of ms
British shores.

Linn. Trans. vol. viii. page 137.

F Body, 7M the pillar or columella,
Q canal or gutter.

Fig. Lith.--MUREX MURICA-
T US. Shell strong and rough, with
from six to seven ventricose, ibedens
lated volutions, tapering to a fine point;
the tubercles are formed by inter-
rupted, longitudinal ribs, crossed by
strong elevated strize, and in some
parts are pointed or angulated ; apex
smooth; aperture oval, terminating
in a long slender canal; outer-lip
sharp and dentated at the edge,
margin within crenulated ; _pillar-lip
smooth. Rather a local shell.

Montagu’s Testacea Britannica,
page 262.

Linn. Trans. vol. vill. page 149.

Base, Caperture, A K &c. sides,
P the beak or rostrum, @ canal or
gutter.

112 THE ELEMENTS
Fig.12th.--CONUS VARIA. Rub-

bed through on one side to show the
internal structure of the shell.
D spire, F body, JJM M pillar or

columella.

aaa

PLATE III.

Fig. 3d.----TROCHUS UMBILI-
CATUS. Shell conico-convex, flat-
tish, rounded at the top; apex depres-
sed, volutions five, slightly emarginate,
defined by a fine line; spirally striate,
rather whitish, with zigzag lines of
purple ; aperture compressed and an-
culated ; witha large umbilicus which
extends to the apex. Found on the
Northumberland and Yorkshire coasts.

Lian. Trans. vol. viil. page 153.

C Aperture, U umbilicus.

Fig. 2d.---HELIX NEMORALIS.
Shell imperforate sub-globose, thin

oF CONCHOLOGY. ils

and sub-pellucid, colour various ; volu-
tions five, with from one to five dark
brown bands or fasci@; aperture
pyriform ; inner margin of the lip,
sometimes white, in others dark-red-
dish brown. This shell is very com-
mon in the evenings and mornings in
summer, at the roots of hedges, &c.

Linn. Trans. vol. viii. page 206.

N Oater lip, X epidermis, Y epi-
dermis removed. |

Fig. 3d---NAUTILUS POMPI-
LIUS, with the lip cut straight to show
the involuted spire.

€ Aperture, 7' involuted spire.

Fig. 4th.---The OPERCULUM of
a Turbo.

Fig. 5th.---HELIX GLUTINOSA.
Shell suborbicular, thin, and diapha-
nous, of a glossy, pale horn-colour,
smooth, but sometimes with obsolete
wrinkles ; the body very large; spire
very small ; volutions three; aperture

ery large, prending nearly to the

114 THE ELEMENTS

apex. Found by Mr. Montagu, in the

marshes at Deal.
Linn. Trans. vol. vill. page 222.

G The back, # the venter or belly,

S depressed spire.
_ Fig. 6th.--PATELLA CHINEN.
SIS. Shell sub-conic, sub-pellucid,
and very thin, colour whitish, much
compressed, rounded at the margin;
vertex central, terminating in a sub- ©
spiral volution, with usually a number
of concave scales. Inside white,
glossy, and smooth, with a sub-spiral
columella or pillar-lip, extending from
nearly the margin to the end, and
forming the external sub-volution ; it
is broad, flat and oblique.

Found in Helford harbour, Corn-
wall; in Saleomb bay, Devonshire, by
Mr. Montagu; and near Dunbar, by
Captain Laskey.

Lian. Trans. vol. viii. page 28.

W Chamber.

4

OF CONCHOLOGY. 115

Fig. 7th.--HELIX SUBULATA.
Shel/ tapering and subulate, very
smooth, and glossy ; whorls about ten,
and scarcely defined; colour white,
with two pale-chesnut spiral lines run-
ning from the body to the apex, be-
coming very faint on the upper whorls;
aperture ovate, and rather contracted.
~ Lengib three quarters of an inch.

Found at Weymouth and near Dun-
bar, by Captain Laskey.

Lion. Trans. vol. viii. page 210.

D Spire, F body.

Fig. 8th.----STROMBUS PUGI-
LIS. Anéerior lip prominent, round-
ed, smooth; spare spinous; beak three,
lobed, obtuse, flesh-coloured, red-
dish or brownish, within paler and
polished ; back smooth; first whorl of
the spire crowned with spines, which
in the other grow gradually less; the
outermost whorl cancellate ; pillar-
hip much reflected,

116 THE ELEMENTS

. Inhabits South America, and the
shores of the West India islands.
Linn. Syst. Natura, page 1209.
_ Turton’s Linné, vol. 4th, page 420.
- D Spire, front, NNW the outer
lip, @ pillar-lip, Q canal or gutter.

Fig. 9th.---TURBO TEREBRA.
Rubbed through in the back to show
the pillar or columella.

Linn. Trans. vol. viii. page 176.

F Body, MM M columella.

Fig. 10th.----HELIX PUTRIS.---.
Shell sub-pellucid, and horn-coloured;
spire with four volutions; the body
tumid and large, apex very small ;
apex fine and pointed, wrinkled longi-
tudinally; aperture oval and large,
outer-lip very thin; outside covered
with a dusky epidermis, inside pale,
yellow, and very glossy.

Common in most ponds, ditches, &c.

‘Linn. Trans. vol. viii. page 219.

G The back, H the venter, Z whor!

or volution.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 117 )

Fig. 11th.----NAUTILUS SPIRU-
LA. Aperture of the shell orbicular ;
whorls cylindrical, separated, and gra-
dually decreasing inwards, the first a
little straight siphunculus contiguous
to the walls of the shell; outside of a
pale cream colour, within pearlaceous.

Inhabits the American and Indian
oceans.

- Linn. Syst. Naturee, page 1163.
Turton’s Linné, vol. 4th, page 307.
N Spicula, V siphunculus, ae

WwW chambers.

Fig. 12th--TURBO COSTATUS.
Shell sub-pellucid, white and sub-
turrited ; volutions five, with promi-
nent, longitudinal ribs, a little oblique ;
apex obtuse ; aperture sub-orbicular,
with a thick sulcated margin.

Found in Pembrokeshire, Dorset-
shire, and Northumberland.

Linn. Trans. vol. viii. page 174.

RRRR Ribs.

118 THE ELEMENTS

Fig. 13th.---TURBO LABIATUS.
Shell with nine reversed volutions or
whorls, tapering to a fine point; co-
lour light brown, with strong, regular,
longitudinal strie ; volutions flat, and
separated by a fine obsolete line ;
aperture sub-orbicular and white, with
a sinus at the upper end, with two
teeth-like amine on the inner lip;
margin reflected, broad and_ thick.
Found in Hyde Park, and the ozier
grounds at Battersea in Surrey.

Lion. Trans. vol. viii. page 180.

6b Reversed or heterostrophe spire,
a teeth of a univalve.

Fig. l4th.-HELIX PLANORBIS,
Shell depressed and sub-pellucid,
horn-coloured, rufous, or light chesnut
brown; generally with a light umber-
coloured epidermis ; volutions five,
placed laterally on each other, gradu-
ally decreasing to the centre, making
the shell concave at top, rounded and
defined by the suture; subulated

OF CONCHOLOGY. 119

across the whorls; a carinated ridge
round the margin at the base; aper-
ture angulated, and slanting towards
the base.

Linn. Trans. vol. vill. page 188.

Not uncommon in ponds, rivers,
and ditches: they are of a very large
size at Prestwick-water, near New-
castle on Tyne.

eee

‘PLATE IV.

HINGES OF BIVALVES, &c.

Fig Ist. Hinge of the Mya Pirc-
forum. a Primary tooth, ce double
teeth.

Fig. 2nd. Hinge of the Solen Sih-
qua. 6 Lateral teeth.

Fig. 3d. Hinge of the Telhna
Radula. aa Primary teeth, 2 carti-
lage.

126 THE ELEMENTS

Fig. 4th. Hinge of the Cardium
Aculeatum. 6 Lateral tooth, dd mid-
die teeth, dd spines.

Fig. 5th. Hinge of Mactra Mians.

Fig. 6th. Inside of both valves of
the Donax Trunculus. A Left valve,
B right valve, 6 lateral teeth, e pri-
mary complicated tooth, or cleft in
the middle, 2m crenulated margin.

Fig. 7th. Hinge of Venus Gallina.
aa Primary teeth, 6 lateral tooth.

Fig. 8th. Hinge of Spondylus Ga-
deropus. ff Incuryed teeth.

Fig. 9th. Hinge of Chama Cor.

Fig. 10th. Hinge of Arca Pilosa.
kk Numerous small teeth; the dis-
tinguishing characteristic of the ge-
nus Area.

Fig. 11th. Hinge of Ostrea Varia.
g Cavity of the infil h cl a at,

@ inferior ear.

Fig. 12th. Hinge of Anomia
Eiphippium. me)

OF CONCHOLOGY. 121

PLATE V.
To tllustrate the Genera.
MULTIVALVE SHELLS.

Fig. Ist. Chiton Marginatus.
2nd. epas Tintinnabulum.
ard. Pholas Crispatus.

BIVALVE SHELLS.
Fig. 4th. Mya Arenaria.
doth. Solen Ensis. ©
6th. Zellina Donacina.
7th. Cardium Edulis.

PLATE VI.

Fig. 8th. Mactra Lutraria.
9th. Donazx Trunculus.
10th. Venus Aurea.
Mth. Spondylus Geederopus.*

Those shells marked * are foreign.

122 THE ELEMENTS

Fig. 12th. Chama Cor.
‘13th. Arca Noe.

——s

PLATE VII.

Fig. 14th. Ostrea Opercularis.
15th. Anomia Undulata.
16th. Mytilus Incurvatus.
i7th. Pinna Muricata.

UNIVALVE SHELLS.

Vig. 18th. . Argonauta Argo*
19th. Nautilus Pompilius.*

a ee

PLATE VIII.

Fig. 20th. Conus Striatus.*
2ist. Cyprea Pediculus.
22nd. Bulla Catina.
23rd. Voluta Episcopalis.*
24th. Buccinum Lapillus.
25th. Strombus Pes Pelicani.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 123

Fig. 26th Murex Antiquus.

27th. Trochus Papillosas.
PLATE IX.

Fig. 28th. Turbo Rudis.
29th. Helix Arbustorum.
30th. Nerita Littoralis.
3lst. Haliotis Tuberculata.
32nd. Patella Vulgata.
33rd. Dentahum Entailis.
34th. Serpula Triquetra.
30th. Teredo Navalis.

36th.

Sabella Tubiformis.

124 THE ELEMENTS

LIST

OF THE

PRINCIPAL BOOKS

Conchologp.

‘Tar ‘Systema Nature of Linné.’
12th edition, published at Stockholm,
1767, in 4 vols. 8y¥o.

A Translation of the Systema Na-
ture, by Dr. Turton, published at
London in 1806, in 7 vols. 8vo. with
all the discoveries since the time of
Linné. The shells are contained in
the 4th vol.

Martin Lister's ‘Synopsis Metho-
dica Conchyliorum, published in
parts from 1665 to 1692. The plates
in the most perfect copies vary from

1050 to 1067. The plates of this

OF CONCHOLOGY. 125

valuable work were left to the college
of Oxford ; at which place it was re-
published in 1770, in folio; the plates
are in number 1085, containing 1150
shells, and a considerable ee he of
plates of fossils.

‘ Recreatis mentis et oculi in obser-
vatione. Animalium Testaceorum, a
Phil. Bonanné, published at Rome in
1684, 4to; contains a great many
plates of different shells; many of
them are, however, reversed, which
makes them of little value ia refer-
ring to.

‘Geo. Everp. Rumphfius Thesau-
rus Imarginum Piscium Testaceorum,’
1711, folio, contains 33 plates on
shells.

‘Descriptio Thesauri Rerum Na-
turlium, published at Amsterdam in
1758, vol. 3rd, contains 61 plates on
Conchology.

D’Argenville’s ‘ L’histoire naturelle
edloiieis dans une de ses parties prin-

126 THE ELEMENTS

cipales, la Conchyliogie, Paris 1757,
Ato. ‘The same in an improved state,
in 5 vols. Ato. Paris, 1780.

Fraucois Michael Regenfuss’s ‘ Na-
tural History of Testacea and Crus-
tacea, Copenhagen, 1758--78, folio.

Martine’s Work on Conchology,
with the Continuation of F. H. Chem-
nitz, in 10 vols, 4to. published at
Nurnberg in 1769, &e.

Thomas Pennant’s British Zoology,
vol. 4th. |
_E. M. Da Costa’s ‘Elements of
Conchology, London, 1776, 8vo.

E. M. Da Costa’s ‘ British Concho-

logy, London, 1778, 4to.
George Walker’s work ‘On Minute

British Shells, contains 5 plates, ssneih
don, 1784, 4to.

John Lightfoot’s ‘ Account of some
minute British Shells, Phil. Trans.
vol. 76.

Adams ‘ Description of minute

OF CONCHOLOGY. 127

Shells found in Pembrokeshire ; Linn.
Trans. vol. 3rd. and 5th.

J. Donovan’s, ‘ Natural History of
British Shells, in 5 vols. royal 8vo.
London, 1799, &e. This work con-
tains 180 coloured plates of British
shells.

George Montagu’s ‘Testacea Bri-
tannica,’ published at London, in 1803,
1 vol. 4to. with a supplement. These
two vols. contain 30 plates, principally
minute shells.

Dr. Maton, and the Rev. Mr. Rack-
ett’s Descriptive Catalogue of British
Shells, in the 8th vol. of the Linnean
Transactions, with 5 plates of rare
shells.

To the British Collector this vol. is
indispensibly necessary, as it contains
a list of every shell discovered to the
time of its publication; described in
the most correct and elegant style.
The learned and ingenious authors

128 THE ELEMENTS

have corrected the errors of all —
who preceded them.

Captain Laskey’s Pehalogha, of
Shells found by him in North Britain,
in the Ist vol. of the Memoirs of the
Wernerian Society, with one plate con-
taining 17 species of very rare shells.
To this gentlemen the British Testa-
ceologist is indebted for the discovery
of no less than 50 new species of
British shells.

Perry's Conchology, in one _ vyol.
folio. This work contains about 52
coloured plates, well executed: but it
is to be regretted, he gives no refer-
ence to any other author.

Parkinson’s ‘ Organic Remains,
3rd. vol. contains an account of many
shells found in a fossil state, with a
great many figures.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 129

METHOD

OF

CLEANING SHELLS, éc.

SHELLs can only be expected per-
fect, when they are found with the
animal alive in them, or taken by the
dredge or trawling-net from their na-
tive beds; fine specimens are some-
times found adhering to fishermen’s
lines or nets. After violent storms
many excellent specimens are often
found on the beach, driven from their
beds by the agitation of the waters;
on such occasions perfect specimens
are often to be met with; the Con-
chologist ought, therefore, to avail
himself of every opportunity, of walk-
ing along the beach, immediately after

the tide begins to recede. The greater
S

130 THE ELEMENTS

part of shells seen in collections, are
picked up dead on the beach, and are
therefore seldom very perfect, as they
are tossed to and fro by the waves,
and either worn or broken; and
should they even be driven beyond the
reach of the tide, in this situation they
are exposed to the continual heat of
the sua, by which their colours become
faded.

River and land shells are mostly
thinner than those of the sea: though
this is by no means a general rule, as
the Paper Nautilus, some of the
Helices, and Pinn, are extremely
thin and brittle.

_ Several of the land shells are very
beautiful, aad elegant in their form,
particularly those found in tropical
climates In Africa they grow to an
amazing size, and would be very un-
welcome guests in our house gardens,
as they commit great havoc among
the esculent plants. The Bulla Ze-

OF CONCHOLOGY. +431

bra of Africa, is very frequently found
seven inches from the apex to the
base. A few of cur own land shells
are very beautiful; but- from their
being familiarized to us, we look on
them with the greatest indifference ;
for example, the Helices, Pomatia,
- Arbustorum, and Nemoralis.

Some authors affirm, that the Cy-
preea tribe abandon their shells every
year, to form new ones of a larger
size; but this seems rather a doubtful
circumstance.

When shells are found with the
animal in them, hot water should be
poured upon the shells, and the ani-
mal dies, and may be easily taken from
bivalve shells ; but caution is required
in the univalves; as should part of the
animal be left in the volutions, it will
be almost impossible to extract it; and
the smell becomes very offensive.

Shells are to be met with, on almost
every shore in the known world, but

i32 THE ELEMENTS

those of warm climates have in general
a finer polish, and exceed all others in
point of colouring.

There is great deception practised
by the dealers in shells, by which
means they easily impose on those
who are unacquainted with them. If
a shell happens to have the lip broken,
they take a common file, and form it
anew; thereby the character of the
shell is completely altered. Some go
so far as even to form a canal, to imi-
tate rare shells, and also counterfeit
strie: when they have accomplished
this, they then imitate the external
colouring, and finish the whole by a
coat of varnish. The shelis they thus
transform are, in general, worn speci-
mens, which are of no earthly use
though in some instances good shells
are sacrificed to obtain their ends.

Much might be here said on the
arts practised to alter, patch up, and
beautify shells; but this has no con-

OF CONCHOLOGY: 13

nexion with the science, and may
therefore with much propriety be
omitted, as a Naturalist would prefer
a worn, or even a broken specimen, to
one either altered, or coloured and
varnished ; to improve it, and make it
pleasing to the eye. Surely the lover
of nature must look with contempt on
ali artificial means, employed either to
alter or amend the sacred works of
nature. It will be sufficient to point
out the means of simply cleaning tes-
taceous bodies.

When shells are perforated by sea
worms, or when any other accidental
circumstance occurs, to deform a good
specimen, it is certainly desirable to
use some means to improve it; and
for this purpose a putty may be made
of fine whitening, jiour, and glue ;
the holes or cracks may be filled up
with this composition, and aliowed to
dry; it should always be a little above
the surface, and cautiously scraped

134 THE ELEMENTS

down with a knife; when, ridges or
striz can easily be imitated, if neces-
sary. ‘The parts thus mended may be
coloured with common water colours,
and then brushed; or if on a smooth
shell, polished with the palm of the
hand, and afterwards rubbed over
with FEiorence oil, which should be
well dried off with a piece of flannel.
If this mode is judiciously managed,
it may be examined, and never disco-
vered.

Many shells, even when obtained
alive, are incrusted with extraneous
matter; the best and safest means of
removing this is, first to steep them in
warm water, and then to scrape them
with a knife; a little sand paper may
also be used, but care must be taken
not to injure the shell.) When as much
of the crust is in this way removed,
as can with safety be done, recourse
should be had to muwrtatic acid, very
much diluted with water; by applying

4

4

OF CONCHOLOGY. 135

this cautiously with a feather, to the
places you wish removed, for a very
short period, it will soon decompose
the extraneous matter: two minutes
at a time is as long as it can with
safety be applied, but one minute’s
application often has the desired effeet:
it should then be immersed in cold
water, and the parts well scrubbed
with a nail-brush and soap. Should
the crust not be entirely removed,
this process may be repeated, but the
greatest care is to be used not to allow
the acid to touch the inside, as it will
instantly remove the fine enamelled
surface. Some are so cautious. as to
melt bees’ wax, and coat the parts of
the shell they do not wish touched
with the acid.

When water is used too hot, in the
first process, it often makes the fine
polished surface crack in a thousand |
directions. '

After the process of corrosion, some

136 THE ELEMENTS

make use of flannel or a brush, and
emery or tripoly, to polish the shell.
‘This may be done in cases where the
polished insides happen to be touched
with the corrosive fluid; but in all
instances where the places cleared by
the acid, are of a white or chalky
appearance, they should be washed
over with Florence oil, and then
rubbed hard with flannel or a nail-
brush. This mode gives the shell the
appearance of nature, and at same
time stops the action of the acid, _
should any remain in the shell, and is
of great use in preserving it from
decay. It is of infinite use in presery-
ing the epidermis, which often, when
it becomes dry from lying long in a
cabinet, cracks and quits the external
surface of the shell. It would not be
amiss to rub them over with oil once
a year.

This practice of oiling shells is a
new one, and I believe I was the first

OF CONCHOLOGY. 137

who thought of it, and have communi-_
cated it to all my friends who collect
shells; and it has been generally
approved. Indeed one friend, who
had a very large collection, was so
pleased with the effect it produced,
that he washed off the gum from all
his shells, and oiled them. The com-
mon practise of collectors is, when
they obtain a specimen which is a little
worn, to coat it over with a solution
of gum arabic, which certainly height-
ens the colours; but the gloss is by
no means natural, and a judge may in
a moment discover the deception.
This varnishing system is carried to a
great length by some, who have almost
every shell in their cabinets daubed
over with gum arabic, and they all
shine with great lustre, even although
many of the shells should themselves

be dim in a natural state.
T

138 THE ELEMENTS

Simple Method of Arranging
Cabinets.

"Tux most simple method of arrang-
ing cabinets, is, by cutting white cards
into the size you wish the boxes, (if
they may be so termed ;) then take a
pair of steel dividers which are fixed
with a screw, and set them to the size
the depth of the sides is wished ; place
the card upon a piece of pasteboard,
and draw the dividers along the sur-
face, one leg being guided by the edge
of the card; press pretty hard so as to
make a deep groove; then cut out the
corners, and press up the sides, which
will be found to stand quite stiff; but
if great nicety is wanted, a piece of
paper may be pasted on the corners.
On the bottom of every box should be
written the name of the shell it con-
tains, with the place it was found in ;
a reference to some author who de-
scribes it; and such other remarks as
may be thought necessary.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 139

Explanation of Cerms

USED IN THE

SCIENCE OF CONCHOLOGY
Ep Oen—

A

ABBREVIATED, shorter than some
correspondent part.

Acini, granulations.

Acuelate, furnished with, or ending
in, prickles.

Acuminated, ending in a sharp point,
sharp pointed.

Adnate, adhering or growing together,
adjoining.

/Bquilateral, where the anterior and
posterior shells are equal in size
and figure.

AEquivalve, where both valves are per-
fectly similar.

140 THE ELEMENTS '

Alated, winged, applied to the ex-
panded lip of the Strombus genus.

Ambitus, . the circumference or out-
line of the valves.

Annulate, formed or divided into dis-
tinct rings, or marked with differ-
ently-coloured annulations.

Antiquated, longitudinally furrowed,
but interrupted by transverse fur-
rows, as if the shell had acquired
new growth at each furrow.

Anus, a depression on the posterior
side near the hinge of bivalves.

Aperture, the mouth or opening of
the shell.

Apex, the tip or point of the spire.

Apophysis, an excrescence.

Approximating, approaching near to,
or near together.

Arcuated, béut’s in the form of an arch,

-incurvated. |

Arcuations, bendings, curvings.

Area, the surface contained hhetween
lines or boundaries.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 141

Arenose, sandy.

Articulations, junctures, or joinings.

Ascititious, supplemental, additional.

Attenuated, thin, slender.

Attiguous, hard by.

Attrite, worn by rubbing:

Aurated, eared, having ears as in the
scallops.

Auricled, having appendages like ears.

B.

Barb, any thing that grows in place of
a beard.

Base, in univalves that part of the shell
by which they are affixed to rocks,
&c. and in multivalves the opposite
extremity to the apex.

Biangulated, having two corners or
angles.

Beak, the continuation of the body
of univalves in which the canal is
situate.

Beard, the process by which some
univalves adhere to rocks, &c.

Bellying, distended in the middle.

142 THE ELEMENTS

Bidented, having two teeth.

Bifarious, parting ia opposite direc-
tions.

Bifid, opening with a cleft.

Bilabiate, furnished both with an
outer and inner lip.

Bilobate, divided into two lobes.

Bimarginate, furnished with a double
margin as far as the lip.

Biradiate, consisting of two rays.

Bivalve, consisting of two valves or
divisions. ’

Blotched, spotted in an irregular way.

Blunt, obtuse, opposite to acute,

Blush, of a red colour.

Borer, a piercer.

Brinded, streaked.

Bulging, gibbous, swollen out.

Bullate, of a blistered appearance.

Bunt, an increasing cavity, a tunnel.

Byssus, a beard, common in the
Mytilus and Pinna.

oF CONCHOLOGY. 143
C.

Calcareous, relating to lime, of a limy
nature.

Callus, is composed of two short ribs,
united at the base, and converging
at the apex towards the hinder part
of the shell.

Campanulate, shaped like a bell.

Canaliculated, made like a pipe or
gutter

Cancellated, surrounded with arched
longitudinal ribs.

Cancelled, iatticed, or having longi-
tudinal streaks or furrows, decus-

- sate by transverse ones.

Capacious, wide, vast, extended.
Carinate, having a longitudinal pro-
minence like the keel of a vessel.

Carinated, keeled.

Cartilage, a flexible fibrous substance
by which the valves are united,
situate near the beak.

Cauda, the elongated base of the
ventre, lip and columella.

144 THE ELEMENTS

Cicatrix, the glossy impression in
the inside of the valves, to which
the muscles of the animal have been
affixed.

Ciliate, edged with parallel hairs,
bristles or appendages.

Cinerous, of ash colour, of the colour
of wood ashes.

Cleft, divided in the centre, cloven.

Clovate, thicker towards the top,
elongated towards the base.

Clivulus, a little cliff, or descent.

Coated, furnished with an outer deci-
duous covering.

Cochlez, shells of one piece, univalves.

Cochleate, twisted like a screw or the
shell of a snail.

Columella, the upright pillar in the
centre of most of the univalve shells.

Commissure, a joint, a seam, a mould.

Complicate, membranaceous, bent to
an acute angle, as in the tooth of
the Mactra, &c.

Complicated, doubled together. |

OF CONCHOLOGY. 145

Compressed, squeezed together, one
valve in general flatter than the
other. ;

Concamerated, arched over, vaulted

Concamerations, the apartments of
the Nautili.

Concave, hollowed out like a bowl.

Concentric, running to a centre.

Conche, shells consisting of two or
more pieces or valves, bivalves,
multivalves.

Cone, the form of a sugar-loaf.

Confluent, running into one channel.

Conoid, a figure like a cone, sugar-
loaf-shaped.

Contorted, twisted, or incumbent on
each other, in an oblique direction.

Contracted, shortened, shrunk up.

Convoluted, rolled upon itself, twisted
spirally, like a piece of paper rolled
between the finger and thumb.

Cordate, heart-shaped.

Cordiform, resembling the form of a

heart.
U

146 THE ELEMENTS

Coriaceous, of a leather-like consist-
ance. |

Corneous, of a horn colour, resembling
a horn.

Coronated, crowned, or girt towards
the apex with a single row of emi-
nences.

Costated, ribbed, baving large ribs.

Corpus, the body of the shell, the last
or great wreath in which the aper-
ture is situate.

Cortex, the anterior skin or epidermis.

Corticvated, covered with an epidermis.

Crenated, notched at the margin, or
scalloped.

Crenulated, notched, jagged as. some

- leaves are.

Crispated, rough with waving lines.

Cuneiform, shaped like a wedge.

Cylindrical, round like a roller.

D.

Decorticated, worn, divested: of epi-
dermis or skin.

Decussated, generally applied to striz,

OF CONCHOLOGY. 147

which is crossed, or intersects each
other at acute angles.

Dentile, a small taothy such as the
tooth of a saw.

Denticulated, set with small teeth, as

-in the Area.

Depressed, pressed down, low, shal-
low, flat.

Dexter valve, is the right valve.

Diagonal, a line from angle to angle.

Diaphanous, transparent, clear, pel-
lucid.

Digitated, fingered or clawed, as in
the lobes of the outer lip of the
Strombi, &c.

Disk, the middle part of the valves or
that which lies between the umbo
and the margin.

Divaricated, straddling, idrvtisis out
widely.

Divergent, tending to various parts,
from one point.

- Dorsum, the back, it generally means

the upper surface of the body of the

148 THE ELEMENTS

shell, when laid upon the aperture
or opening.. In the genera of Pa-
tella and Haliotis, the back means
the upper convex surface.

Dotted, punctured like a thimble.

Dual, expressive of the number two.

Duplicated, deeply divided as if bifid.

Duplicature, a fold, any thing doubled.

Duodecuple, consisting of twelve,
twelve fold.

Echinated, bristled like a hedge-hog,
set with spines. | |

Effuse, generally applied to where the
aperture is not whole behind, but
the lips are seperated by a gap so
that water poured in runs out at it.

Elliptical, having the form of an ellip-
sis, oval.

Elongated, lengthened, Jom out.

Emarginate, to take away the margin
or edge of any thing; without a
margin.

Ensiform, two-edged, sabre-shaped,.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 149

and tapering towards the point like
a sabre.

Entire, whole, undivided, not broken.

Epidermis, the outer coat of the shell,
which is found in many species ;
which often falls off of its own ac-
cord without any injury to the sur-
face of the shell ; the beauty of many
shells is hidden by this outer coat.

Equidistant, being at the same dis-
tance.

Equilateral, having all sides equal.

Equitans, folded one upon another

Essential character, is a single cir-
cumstance serving to distinguish a
genus from every other genus.

Esurine, corroding, eating.

Exoleted, worn or faded.

Expanding, standing in a direction
between upright and horizontal.
Extraneous, not belonging, to a par-

ticular thing.

150 THE ELEMENTS
F.

Fasciated, filleted, or covered with
bands.

Fascicled, clustered together as in a
bundle.

Fastigate, flat and even at top.

Faux, what can be seen of the cavity
of the first chamber of the shell, by
looking in at the aperture.

Ferruginous, of an iron colour, or rust
coloured.

Filament, a slender thread-like pro-
cess.

Filiform, thread-shaped, slender and
of equal thickness.

Fissure, acleft, a little slit, or narrow
chasm.

Flexous, zigzag, with angles gently
winding.

Fluviatic, of or belonging to a river.

Foliated, bent into laminz or leaves.

Fornix, the excavated part under the
umbo. It likewise signifies the
upper, or convex shell in the Ostea.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 151

Fragil, brittle, easily broken.

Front, in univalves, when the aperture
is turned towards the observer.

Furcated, forked.

Furrow, a small trench or hollow.

Fuscated, darkened, obscured.

Fusiform, spindle-shaped, intermedi-
ate between the conical and oval.

G.

Gap, an opening, in multivalves and
bivalves when the valves are shut
as in the Pholades, Mye, &c.

Geminated, marked with a double ele-
vated stfize connecting the wreaths.

Genus, a distinct division or tribe of
any class, which may comprehend
many species, or individuals, agree-
ing in their generic character.

Genera, the plural of genus.

Generic description, consists of an
accurate description of the parts
composing a shell, and all the shells,
whose essential parts agree with this

152 THE ELEMENTS

description, are species of the same
genus.

Gibbous, bulged or ailing

Glabrous, smooth, of a smooth surface,
opposed to hairy, downy, &c.

Globose, globular.

Granulated, beaded, in small grains
or beads.

Groove, a hollow channel.

Hemispheric, in the shape of a half
globe.

Hersute, rough, beset with strong
hairs.

Heteroclitical, synonymous with he-
terostrophe.

Heterostrophe, reversed, erliod to
‘shells whose spires turn in a con-
trary direction to the usual way.

Hisped, beset with rather stiff bristles.

Hollow, like a straw.

. I.

Jagged, denticulated, uneven, toothed

like a saw.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 153

Imbricate, placed over each other at
the edges like the tiles of a house.

Imperforate, not pierced with a hole,
wanting the umbilicus.

Ineequilateral, when the anterior and
posterior sides make different an-
gles with the hinge.

Invequivalve, where one valve is more
convex than the other, or dissimilar
in other respects, as in the common
oyster.

Inarticulate, indistinct, not properly
formed.

Incumbent, one lying over the other.

Incurvated, bent inwards, crooked.

Indented, unequally marked, such as

‘rows of teeth.

Inflated, tumid, swollen, as if blown
out.

Inflected, bent inwards.

Inflexed, bent towards each other.

Internode, the ‘space between one
knot or joint and another.

Interrupted, a separated.

154 THE ELEMENTS

Interstice, space between one part
and another, a crevice.

Intortion, the turning or twisting
in any particular direction.

Involucel, a small or partial involucre.

Inyolution, that part which involves
or inwraps another.

Involuta, where the exterior is lip
turned inwards, at the margin, as
in all the Cyprez.

Juncture, the joining of the whorl of
the spire, &c.

K.

Keel, the longitudinal prominence in
the Argonaute.

Knob, a protuberance, any part blunt-
ly arising above the rest.

Knobbed, set with knobs, haying pro-
tuberances.

> lla.

Labra, the lip.

Lacinate, jagged or cut into irregular
segments.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 155

Lacunose, having the surface covered
with small pits.

Lamillated, divided into distinct plaits’
or foliations.

Lamine, thin plaits, one coat laid
over another.

Lanceolate, oblong, and. gradually ta-

_ pering to each end like the head of
a lance.

Lateral, extending to one side, from
the centre.

Lapideous, stony, of the nature of
stones.

Latticed, having longitudinal lines or
furrows, decussate by transverse
ones.

Lenticular, doubly convex, of the form
of a lens.

Ligament, the membranaceous sub-
stance which connects the valves
together.

Limb, the circumference of the valves,
within or behind the margin.

Line, a longitudinal extension, it is

156 THE ELEMENTS

sometimes applied to lines of colour
only, at others to a grooved line.

Linear, composed of lines, being
marked with lines.

Lineate, marked with lines.

Lip, the outer edge of the aperture
of univalves.

Littoral, of or belonging to dae shore.

Livid, discoloured, black and blue.

Lobated, rounded at the edges.

Longitudinal, the length of the shell
from the apex to the base.

Lubricity, slipperiness, smoothness of
surface.

Lunated, formed like a half moon.

Lunulated, crescent-shaped.

Lunule, a crescent-like mark or spot,
situated near the anterior and pos-
terior slopes in bivalve shells.

M.

Margin, the whole circumference or
outline of the shell in bivalves.

Marginated, having a prominent mar-
gin or border.

OF CONCHOLOGY. ey

Membrane, a web of several sorts of
fibres.

Membranaceous, consisting of mem-
branes.

Mottled, clouded or spotted with
various colours.

Mucronate, ending in a sharp rigid
point.

Muricated, clothed with sharp rigid
points.

N.

Nemoral, of or belonging to a wood.

Nited, glossy.

Nodous, a knot.

Nucleus, a kernel.

Nymphe, the cartilage to which the
hymen is attached; they are con-
cealed by the hymen.

O.

Ob, in composition is used for in-
versely or inverted ; as obconic, in-
versely conic ; obcordafe, inversely
heart-shaped, &c.

Oblique, slanting

158 THE ELEMENTS

Oblong-ovate, oblong egg-shaped.

Obsolete, indistinct, not well defined.

QOcelated, applied to eye-like spots.

Ochreous, resembling ochre.

Offuscated, darkened, clouded, dim-
med.

Olivaceous, being of an olive colour,
resembling whet

Operculum, a lid by which some of
the turbinated univalves close the
aperture; and is applied to some of
the tops of multivalves.

Orbed, circular, formed in a circle.

Orbicular, spherical, circular, round-
ish and flat. |

Order, a subdivision of a class, or
second branch of systematical ar-
rangement,

Orifice, an opening or perforation.

Ovate, shaped like the longitudinal
section of an egg.

PR

Palmate, webbed, like the feet of some

water birds; deeply divided into

OF CONCHOLOGY. 159

lobes like the fingers on the hand.
This character is very conspicuous
in some of the Strombi.

Papillous, having the surface covered
with dots or pimples.

Papulous, pimply or blistered.

Patulous, with a gap or opening.

Pearlaceous, of or like mother-of-
pearl.

Partitions, are calcareous processes,
dividing the shells of the Nautili and
Serpula into different apartments.

Pectinated, resembling a comb, cut
into regular straight sezments like
the teeth of a comb.

Pedicle, the support of the Lepas
Anatifera and its corresponding
species, by which they are attached
to wood, X&c.

Peduncle, synonymous with Pedicle.

Pellicle, the skin or film.

Pellucid, transparent, clear, bright.

Pentacapsular, having five cavities.

Penteedrous, having five sides.

160 THE ELEMENTS

Pentagonal, having five angles.

Perforated, pierced with holes.

Pervious, admitting passage.

Phosphorescent, emitting light in the
dark.

Pillar, the columella, or perpendicular
centre which extends from the base
to the apex, in most of the spiral
shells.

Plaits, folds.

Plicated, folded or plaited, as in the
pillar of the volute tribe.

Prismatic, generally applied to the
colours of shelis, being like those
of the prism.

Poreate, marked with raised longi-
tudinal lines.

Protrude, to thrust forward.
Protuberances, plaits higher. or more
elevated than the parts adjoining.
Punctated, with small dots or punc-

tures like a thimble.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 161

Q.
Quadrangular, having four right an-
gles.
Quadriplicated, having four plaits.
Bee ye

Radiate, furnished with rays.

Radicated, is when the shell is fixed
by the base to another body.

Rectangular, having right angles.

Recurvated, turned backwards.

Recurved, bowed back.

Reflected, thrown backwards.

Reflexed, the same as recurvated.

_ Refracted, abruptly bent as if broken.

Reniform, kidney-shaped.

Repand, with a serpentine margin.

Replicated, folded or plaited, so as to
form a groove or channel.

Reticulate, marked like a piece of
net work.

Retroflected, bending in different
directions.

Retuse, ending in an obtuse sinus;
bluntly sine

162 THE ELEMENTS

Retundated, blunted, or turned at
the edge.

Reversed spire, is when the volutions
are the reverse way of a common
cork screw.

Reversed spires, when the spires are
turned upwards.

Revolute, rolled backwards.

Ribbed, longitudinal, and sometimes
transverse ridges.

Ridge, the upper part of a slope.

Rima, theinterstice between the valves,
when the hymen is removed.

Rostrated, having a beak; the exten-
sion of the shell, in which the canal
is situated. -

Rotund, round, circular, spherical.

Rudiment, the first part of a thing;
generally applied to the indistinct
teeth of shells.

Rufous, of a reddish colour.

Rugose, rugged, full of wrinkles.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 163
S.

Sanguinaceous, of a blood colour, or
resembling blood.

Scabrous, rough, rugged, harsh, or
like a file.

Scalloped, indented at the edges.

Scorbiculate, pitted, having the sur-
face covered with hollows.

Scorbiculus, a depression or cavity.

Seam, the line formed by the union
of the valves.

Semi-cylindrical, a cylinder cut
through lengthways.

Semi-orbiculate, in the shape of a half
globe.

Semi-lunar, the shape of a half moon.

Semi-pellucid, somewhat pellucid,
though not fully so.

Serrated, like the teeth of a common
saw.

Serrulated, very minutely serrated.

Setaceous, bristle-shaped.

Sinister valve, is the left valve.

Sinus, a groove or cavity.

164 THE ELEMENTS

Siphunculus, a cylindrical canal _per-
forating the partitions in polytbala-
mous shells; for instance the Nau-
tilus Spirula.

Solitary, generally applied to a single
tooth,

Spatulate, rounded and broad at the
top, and becoming narrower like a
spatula or battledore.

Species, the division of a family or
genus, containing such as agree
with it in generic characters.

Spiny, thorny, covered with thorn-like
processes.

Spire, all the whorls of univalve shells,
excepting the one in which the
aperture is situated, which is termed
the body.

Spiral, twisted like a cork screw.

Squamous, scaly.

Squarrose, consisting of scales spread-
ing every way, or divided into pieces
standing upright and not parallel
with the plane.

OF CONCHOLOGY. 165

Stillate, radicating like the spokes of
a wheel.

Striated, scored, or covered with fine
thread-like lines.

Sub, in composition, it means almost
or approaching to, as sub-glabose,
somewhat globular.

Subrotund, nearly globular.

Subulate, somewhat awl-shaped, or
tapering gradually to a point.

Suleated, furrowed, marked with
broad furrows or ridges.

Sulci, furrows or ridges.

Summit, the tip or apex.

Suture, the hollow line which sepa-
rates the wreaths.

OS

Taper, gradually tapering to a point.

Tentaecule, the feelers of worms,
which inhabit shells.

Tesselated, chequered like a chess
board. |

Testacea, the third order of worms,

166 THE ELEMENTS

including those which are covered
with a testaceous shell.

Tetragonal, four cornered.

Torose, swelling into knobs or pro-
tuberances.

Transverse, placed across, or cross-
ways.

Truncated, stunted, cut short or ab-
ruptly off at the end,

Tubercle, a little knot or pimple.

Tubular, in the shape of a hollow
tube.

Tunicated, coated.

Turbinate, shaped like a top or pear,

Turgid, swollen.

V.

Valve, the whole of univalve shells, or
shells in one piece ; and the half
of bivalves, or shells in two divi-
sions, &c.

Varices, sutures of the wreaths, trans-
verse and gibbous. -

Variety, is when a shell differs so

OF CONCHOLOGY. 167

little from another that it cannot be
called a distinct species.

Vaulted, like the roof of one’s mouth.

Venter, the belly, situated in the body
of the shell; being the most promi-
nent part, when the aperture is
turned to the observer.

Ventricose, inflated, swelling in the
middle.

Vertex, in the Patella the top or most
prominent part, situated in general
nearly ia the middle. Inthe Bulla
it is used for the apex.

Verrucose, warted.

Verticulated, whirled.

Umbilicated, having a depression in
the centre like a navel.

Umbo, in bivalve shells, the round
part which turns over the hinge.
Umbonate, bossed, having a raised

knob in the centre.

Undulated, waved, having a waved
surface.

Ungulate, shaped like a horse’s hoof.

“

168 THE ELEMENTs, &c.

Unilocular, with a single cavity.

Univalve, shells of one valve, or com-
plete in one piece.

Volutions, the wreaths, or turnings of
the shells of univalves.

Urceolate, swelling in the middle like
a pitcher.

Vulva, a spatulated mark in the Venus
tribe ; formed when the valves are
united on the posterior and anterior
slopes.

W.

Whorl, one of the wreaths or turning

of the spire of univalves.
Z.

Zigzag, having contrary turnings and
windings.

Zoned, surrounded with one or more

girdles.

J. Gleave, Printer, Manchester.

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